
Class _BV4!15 

Book '5*Tia_ 



Copyright]^?. 






COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 





>ls<7 



anf 



^wjrftr^*c4i"gtf 1m£ C?cuii tonal ii iiljFnlficffur^ 



JOHN FREDERICK STARCK'S 

DAILY HAND-BOOK 

IN GOOD AND EVIL DAYS 

CONTAINING 

ALL THE MEDITATIONS AND PRAYERS 

OF THE COMPLETE GERMAN ORIGINAL EDITION 

\ TOGETHER WITH AN APPROPRIATE SELECTION OF 

STANDARD ENGLISH HYMNS 



FOR GENERAL USE, FOR THE AFFLICTED, THE 
SICK, AND THE DYING 



TRANSLATED BY 

JOSEPH STUMP, A.M. 

Pastor of Grace Evangelical LutbeTan Church, Phillipsburg, N.J. 

Author of "Bible Teachings" and "The Life of 

Philip Melanchthon " 



WITH SIX HALF-TONE ENGRAVINGS 



Burlington, Iowa 

German Literary Board 

1904 






LIBRARY nf CONGRESS 

TWo Cooles Revived 

AUG 15 1904 

Cooyrteht Enfrv 

OLASS & XXc. No. 

°lf 1 *] 

1 COPY B 



Entered according to the Act of Congress 

in the year 1904 

BY THE GERMAN LITERARY BOARD, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress 

at Washington. 



TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE 



FOR nearly two hundred years Starck's 
Daily Hand-book has been a standard 
book of devotion; and it is not likely to 
be superseded by anything superior for many 
years to come. First published in 1728, it was 
at once received with great favor. As new edi- 
tions were demanded, the original dimensions of 
the work were increased by the addition of other 
prayers, until finally, in the edition of 1776, 
edited by the son of J. F. Starck, the book ap- 
peared in its completed form, containing prayers 
for almost every conceivable time and emergency. 
It was felt that a new translation of this most 
excellent and valuable work into fluent, devo- 
tional, and idiomatic English was eminently de- 
sirable. What is here presented is an attempt 
to supply this want. The endeavor has been to 
give the book as smooth an English rendering as 
if in the first place it had been written in English. 
While, therefore, it is believed that the sense of 
the original is always given accurately, the aim 
has been to secure fluency of style rather than 
literalness of translation. Much care and time 
have been devoted to the Scripture verses and the 

(3) 



4 Preface, 

Scriptural phraseology, which form so large a 
part of Starck's Hand-book, and to which it owes 
so much of its beauty and value. It was felt im- 
perative, in rendering these portions of the work 
into English, to use the exact language of the 
Authorized Version of the English Bible; other- 
wise most of the beauty and power of the orig- 
inal would necessarily be lost. 

The translation here given is based on the 
original edition of 1776, which was edited by 
John Jacob Starck, a son of John Frederick 
Starck, after his father's death, and of which 
stereotyped reprints are published by the Ver- 
einsbuchhandlung of Calw and Stuttgart, and 
by Theodor Rother of Leipzig. This edition was 
chosen, because it represents the final authori- 
tative revision of the work, and may justly be re- 
garded as the standard text. It not only con- 
tains a few more prayers (e. g. three for every 
festival instead of one) than other editions and 
their reprints ; but many of its prayers are fuller 
and richer, and the entire work is more lucidly 
and logically arranged in five books instead of 
four. 

The hymns contained in the original and com- 
posed by Starck have not been included in the 
present translation. It was believed by the trans- 
lator, and by others whose opinion he sought, 
that it would be wiser and more desirable to sub- 



Preface. 5 

stitute in their place appropriate selections from 
English hyinnology, either standard English 
hymns or approved translations of standard 
German hymns. This has been done with the 
conviction, that no single author's hymns are all 
equally meritorious; that a selection of hymns 
which years of usage in the Church have stamped 
with its approval would be far more satisfactory 
than a translation of Starck's hymns; and that 
the use of hymns in family worship will be most 
profitable when the hymns are such as are used 
also in the public services of the Church. For the 
same reason, selections from familiar hyrtins in 
English have been substituted in that part of 
the Hand-book which is meant for the use of the 
dying and those who surround their bedside. 
Hymn verses will be most comforting to the sick 
and the dying when they are at least partially 
familiar from previous use. It is believed that 
the substitution of these standard selections 
from English hymnological treasures will add all 
the greater value to the Hand-book as a devo- 
tional work. 

As thousands, and perhaps millions, who have 
used Starck's Hand-book in the past have been 
built up in faith and in godly living, have been 
drawn nearer to God in sweetest communion, 
have been strengthened and comforted under the 
trials of life, and have been prepared for a happy 



6 Preface. 

departure from this world ; so we confidently be- 
lieve that the regular use of the book in its pres- 
ent garb for private devotion and family wor- 
ship will, under the blessing of God, be produc- 
tive of most salutary results. 

Joseph Stump. 

Phillip sburg, N. J., December, 1903. 




CONTENTS. 



BOOK I. FOR GENERAL USE. 



PART I. 
MORNING, NOON, AND EVENING DEVOTIONS 

PAGE 

Meditation and Prayer for Sabbath Eve 17 

Meditation and Prayer for Sunday Morning 23 

Meditation and Prayer on Sunday 27 

Meditation and Prayer on Sunday 32 

Evening Prayer on Sunday 36 

Meditation and Prayer after Hearing God's Word 39 

Morning Prayer on Monday 44 

Meditation and Prayer on Monday 47 

Meditation and Prayer on Monday Evening 51 

Morning Prayer on Tuesday 55 

Meditation and Prayer on Tuesday 57 

Evening Prayer on Tuesday 61 

Morning Prayer on Wednesday 63 

Meditation and Prayer on Wednesday 65 

Evening Prayer on Wednesday 69 

Morning Prayer on Thursday 71 

Meditation and Prayer on Thursday 74 

Evening Prayer on Thursday 78 

Morning Prayer on Friday 79 

Meditation and Prayer on Friday 82 

Evening Prayer on Friday 87 

Morning Prayer on Saturday 89 

Meditation and Prayer on Saturday 91 

Evening Prayer on Saturday 95 

(7) 



8 Contents. 

PART II. 

FOR THE FESTIVALS OF THE CHURCH. 

FOR ADVENT. PAGE 

Morning Prayer 98 

Meditation and Prayer 100 

Evening Prayer 105 

FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Morning Prayer 108 

Meditation and Prayer Ill 

Evening Prayer 116 

FOR NEW YEAR. 

Morning Prayer at the Close of the Old Year 118 

Meditation and Prayer 121 

Evening Prayer 126 

Morning Prayer at the Beginning of the New Year 128 

Meditation and Prayer 131 

Evening Prayer 136 

FOR LENT. 

Morning Prayer 139 

Meditation and Prayer 142 

Evening Prayer 148 

Meditation and Prayer on Good Friday. ................ 151 

FOR EASTER. 

Morning Prayer , , . 157 

Meditation and Prayer 160 

Evening Prayer 166 

FOR ASCENSION DAY. 

Morning Prayer 169 

Meditation and Prayer 172 

Evening Prayer ,...-.- 177 



Contents. 9 

FOR PENTECOST. PAGE 

Morning Prayer 181 

Meditation and Prayer 183 

Evening Prayer 189 

FOR THE FESTIVAL OF THE HOLY TRINITY. 

Morning Prayer 192 

Meditation and Prayer 195 

Evening Prayer • • 201 

for st. Michael's day. 
Meditation and Prayer 203 

PART III. 

PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS SPIRITUAL AND BODILY 
BENEFITS. 

The Christian Prays for Temporal, Spiritual and 

Eternal Blessings 209 

The Christian Thanks God for His Health 214 

The Christian Prays God to Sanctify His Heart 218 

The Christian Prays God to Govern and Guide Him. . . . 222 
The Christian Prays that True Love to God may be 

Enkindled in His Heart 226 

The Christian Prays God to Implant the Love of His 

Neighbor in His Heart 230 

The Christian Recognizes that God is the Highest 

Good .. 235 

The Christian Prays God to Preserve and Increase His 

Faith .,..,.,,,". 239 

The Christian Prays for Humility 244 

The Christian Prays for Meekness 249 

The Christian Acknowledges the Constant Goodness of 

God .,,,,. 254 

The Christian Reflects upon the Future Glory of the 

Children of God 258 

The Christian Confesses His Sins, and Prays God for 

Forgiveness 362 

The Christian Prays when He goes to the Lord's 

.Supper ...,..,.,,...,.,,,,,,,,..,,,,,,,,.., 268 



10 Contents. 

PAGE 

The Christian Prays thai God would Give Him 

S:re::g::: to Overcome Sin 274 

The Christian Desires t: Otter Himself as a Sacrifice 

to God 27S 

The Christian Prays f or Piety . 2S2 

The Christian Prays for a Good Conscience 285 

Believing Parents Bring Their Children to God in 

Prayer 290 

Pious Children Prav for Their Parents 296 



BOOK II. FOR THE USE OF THE 

AFFLICTED. 

The Afflicted Person rinds Comfort in God's Omnipo- 
tence 301 

The -Afflicted Person Comforts Himself with the 

Thought of God's Love 305 

The Afflicted rersrn Comforts Himself with the Hope 

of God's Help 309 

The Afflicted Person Comforts Himself with the 

Thought of God's Mercy 313 

The Afflicted Person Meditates upon the Divine 

Premises 317 

The Afflicted Person Meditates upon God's Purpose 

in Sending Affliction 322 

The Afflicted Person Prays for Patience and Strength.. . . -. 

The Afflicted Person Preys for the Alleviation of His 

Sufferings 330 

The Afflicted Person Meditates upon the Joyful End 

of His Cross . 335 

Widows in Their Sorrow Pour out Their Heart Be- 
fore God .339 

Forsaken Orphans Tell Their Troubles to God 344 

The Afflicted Person Complains of the Weakness of 

His Faith 350 

The Afflicted Person Complains of Sinful.. Evil and 

Blasphemous Thoughts ■ • 354 



Contents. 11 



BOOK III. FOR THE USE OF THE 
SICK. 

PAGE 

Morning Prayer of a Sick Person 362 

Evening Prayer of a Sick Person 366 

The Sick Person Prays for Patience 371 

The Sick Person Prays for God's Help • • 376 

The Sick Person Realizes that Man is Mortal 380 

The Sick Person Resigns Himself to God's Will to 

Live or Die 384 

The Sick Person Realizes that the Cross and Affliction 

Come from God 388 

The Sick Person Recognizes the Benefits of Sickness.... 392 
The Sick Person Places His Trust in the Almighty 

Power of God N 397 

The Sick Person Calls to Mind His Baptismal Cove- 
nant 401 

The Sick Person Trusts in the Mercy of the Triune 

God 407 

The Sick Person would Bear His Sufferings without 

Murmuring 411 

The Sick Person Prepares Himself to Partake of the. 

Lord's Supper 415 

The Sick Person Prays to God for the Forgiveness of 

Sins 419 

The Sick Person Prays before Partaking of the Lord's 

Supper 424 

The Sick Person Prays after Partaking of the Lord's 

Supper 428 

The Sick Person Prays when He takes His Medicine.. •• 433 

The Sick Person Prays for Alleviation of His Pain 437 

The Sick Person Prays God not to Forsake Him 441 

The Sick Person Meditates upon His Death 445 

The Sick Person Meditates upon the Grave and the 

Resurrection 451 

The Christian Thanks God for His Restoration to 

Health 455 

Scripture Passages and Short Prayers for Those who 

were Sick and have been Restored to Health 460 



12 Contents. 

BOOK IV. FOR THE USE OF THE 
DYING AND THOSE WHO SUR- 
ROUND THEM. 

PAGE 

The Dying Person Places Himself before God's Judg- 
ment 470 

The Dying Person Forgives and Asks Forgiveness 475 

The Dying Person Bids Farewell to His Dear Ones 

and Gives Them His Blessing 479 

The Dying Person Commends Himself to God 483 

The Dying Person Meditates upon Heaven 487 

The Dying Person Meditates upon the Promises of God.. 491 
The Dying Person Meditates upon the Joy and Fel- 
lowship of Heaven 495 

The Dying Person Comforts Himself with the Thought 

of God's Help 501 

The Dying Person Desires to Die Trusting in Jesus 503 

The Dying Person Prays for a Happy Death. 508 

Prayer of the By-standers for the Dying - 512 

Sentences, Scripture Passages and Prayers with which 

the By-standers may Comfort the Dying One 514 

Sentences and Prayers for a Dying Person from the 

Hymn : "When My Last Hour is Close at Hand". . . . 547 

A Benediction upon the Dying Person 568 

Praver of the By-standers after a Person has Died 569 



BOOK V. PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL 
OCCASIONS. 

The Christian Praises God on His Birthday 571 

The Christian Thanks God after the Harvest has been 

Gathered 576 

The Christian Prays during a Thunder-storm 581 

The Christian Thanks God after the Thunder-storm is 

Past 587 

The Christian Prays to God when Starting on a 

Journey 595 



Contents 13 



PAGE 

The Christian Prays to God while He is Living in a 

Strange Land 599 

The Christian Prays to God when He is Sick among 

Strangers 603 

The Christian Thanks God when He has Safely Re- 
turned from a Journey 607 

The Christian Prays in Time of War 611 

The Christian Thanks God for the Restoration of Peace.. 615 

The Christian Prays in Time of Famine 619 

The Christian Prays in Time of Pestilence 624 

The Christian Prays during a' Conflagration 628 

The Christian Prays when He has Met with Loss 

by Fire 636 

The Christian Thanks God when the Fire has been 

Extinguished 641 

The Christian Prays in Time of Excessive Rain 647 

The Christian Prays in Time of Drought 653 



HYMNS. 

Accept, O Lord, Thy servants thanks 43 

Affliction is a stormy deep 366 

Alleluia! Alleluia! 165 

Almighty God, Thy Word is cast 38 

Am I a soldier of the cross 277 

And art Thou with us, gracious Lord. 635 

And must this body die 455 

Away from every mortal care 26 

Away, my needless fears 415 

Bread of heaven, on Thee we feed. 428 

Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly Dove 68 

Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove 229 

Come, O come, Thou quickening Spirit , 85 

Come, ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish 343 

Commit Thou all thy griefs 436 

Dread Jehovah, God of nations 614 

Father of heaven, whose love profound 411 



14 Contents. 

PAGE. 

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 406 

For Thy mercy and Thy grace 125 

Give to the wind thy fears 586 

God is love, His mercy brightens 308 

God moves in a mysterious way 325 

God of mercy, hear our prayer 295 

God of my life, to Thee I call 445 

God of my life, whose gracious power 338 

Good news from heaven the angels bring 115 

Great God, we sing that mighty hand 136 

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah 602 

Hail the day that sees Him rise. . , 176 

Hail to the Lord's Anointed 104 

Hear what God the Lord hath spoken 495 

Holy Ghost, with light divine 188 

Holy, holy, holy Lord 646 

Holy Jesus, in whose name 652 

How are Thy servants blest, O Lord 661 

How shall we show our love to Thee 234 

I was a wandering sheep 397 

I would not live alway 450 

Jerusalem the glorious 499 

Jerusalem the golden 491 

Jesus, at Thy invitation 273 

Jesus, cast a look on me 248 

Jesus, in Thy dying woes 479 

Jesus, my strength, my hope 289 

Jesus, still lead on 77 

Just as I am, without one plea 267 

Lamb of God, I look to Thee 300 

Lord God, we worship Thee 618 

Lord, if Thou Thy grace impart 253 

Lord, it belongs not to my care 376 

Lord Jesus Christ, true man and God 507 

Lord of the harvest, once again 580 

Lord, to Thee I make confession 475 

My faith looks up to Thee • 320 

My God, accept my heart this day 281 

My God, I leave to Thee my ways 304 

My God, my King, Thy various praise 610 



Contents. 15 

PAGE. 

My God, to Thee I now commend 512 

My Jesus, as Thou wilt 329 

My soul, be on thy guard 261 

My spirit on Thy care 334 

My times are in Thy hand 441 

Not all the blood of beasts 147 

Now thank we all our God 49 

Now that the sun is beaming bright 50 

O bless the Lord, my soul 257 

O could I find from day to day 284 

O day of rest and gladness 35 

O for a closer walk with God 217 

O for a faith that will not shrink 243 

O for a principle within 60 

O God of Jacob, by whose hand 598 

O God, our Refuge strong and great 627 

O God unseen, yet ever near 271 

O hear me, Lord, for I am poor 316 

O living Bread from heaven 432 

O Lord, I would delight in Thee 238 

O Lord, my best desire fulfill 606 

O Lord, my God, I cry to Thee 503 

O Lord, turn not Thy face from me 419 

O Sacred Head, now wounded 155 

O that the Lord would guide my ways 221 

O Thou from whom all goodness flows 371 

O Thou that hear'st when sinners cry 265 

Our God, our Help in Ages past 401 

Sovereign Ruler of the skies 392 

Stars of the morning, so gloriously bright 207 

Take my life, and let it be 225 

Thee we adore, eternal Lord 594 

The Lord my Shepherd is 213 

This is the day the Lord hath made 31 

Thou art my Hiding-place, O Lord 380 

Thou very present Aid 349 

Thy ceaseless, unexhausted love 460 

To Thy temple I repair 21 

Weary of earth and laden with my sin 361 

We know, by faith we know 388 



16 Contents.- 

PAGE. 

When all Thy mercies, O my God , 575 

When I can trust my all with God . . 640 

When in the hour of utmost need. 622 

When my last agony draws nigh 487 

When my last hour is close at hand. 548 

Who knows how near my end may be ... . 384 

With joy our voices we unite 200 

Ye servants of the Lord 483 

Your harps, ye trembling saints 312 



BOOK I 



PART I. 

Morning, Noon, and Evening 
Devotions. 



FOR SABBATH EVE. 

The Christian Prepares Himself for Divine 
Worship. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 27 : 4. One thing have I desired of the Lord, 
that will I seek after ; that I may dwell in the house of 
the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of 
the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. 

IT is evident from Gen. 3 : 4, where the offer- 
ings of Cain and Abel are expressly men- 
tioned, that immediately after the fall into 
sin God enjoined upon the first man, Adam, the 
offering of sacrifices, and that this mode of wor- 
ship was taught by Adam to his sons. These 
sacrifices were not offered in silence. On the 
contrary, those who brought them confessed their 
sins, prayed to God for His forgiveness, and de- 
clared their faith in the coming Messiah, Jesus 
Christ, who should shed His blood as a sacrifice 

2 (17) 



18 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

for them. On such occasions they also praised 
God for the benefits received from Him, and pro- 
claimed the name of the Lord. The seventh day 
was specially set apart and hallowed for this pur- 
pose by God Himself, who created the world in 
six days and rested on the seventh. 

This form of worship was retained by the 
Patriarchs, and was practiced up to the time 
when God, in the wilderness, commanded the 
construction of the tabernacle, — a building 
which Solomon afterwards followed as a model 
in erecting the temple. Under the New Testa- 
ment dispensation the Christians also set apart 
a day for the worship of the Lord, their God; 
namely, the Lord's Day or Sunday, on which 
Christ rose from the dead, and on which the 
Holy Ghost was poured out upon the disciples. 

Whenever this day approaches, the Christian 
should (1) close his weekly labors early on Sat- 
urday evening, and free his hand from earthly 
things. (2) He should prepare himself for the 
approaching Sunday by prayer, and should 
thank God for the many blessings received dur- 
ing the week. (3) He should read the Gospel or 
Epistle lesson for the following day, meditate 
upon it, and thus prepare himself for a more de- 
vout hearing of God's Word on the morrow. (4) 
With such good thoughts in his mind, he should 



Prayer for Sabbath Eve. 19 

retire early, in order that he may arise refreshed, 
and appear punctually at divine service. 

PRAYER FOR SABBATH EVE. 

Gracious and merciful God ! I come into Thy 
holy presence to-day with praise and thanksgiv- 
ing, because Thou hast so graciously preserved 
me during the past six days, and so bountifully 
blessed the labor of my hands. Thou hast pre- 
served my going out and my coming in, guarded 
my way, and bestowed upon me many blessings 
in body and soul. For these mercies I render to 
Thee my heartfelt praise and thanks. Away 
now with earthly occupations ! Away with care ! 
I will now erect within my heart a temple to my 
God. My heart shall become a house of prayer, 
dedicated wholly to the service of my Lord. For- 
getting those things which are behind, and lay- 
ing aside the burden of my earthly toil and occu- 
pation, I will direct my thoughts to heaven, to 
God alone, that I may find my delight in Him. 

O what unspeakable love God has shown in 
providing for men a day of rest from all their 
labors! This rest reminds us of the rest in Para- 
dise, where, free from toilsome labor, we should 
have been constantly employed with the service 
and praise of God. This rest is a type of the 
heavenly rest ; for there remaineth a rest for the 



20 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

people of God. the promised rest of eternal life 
in heaven. There the believers shall be freed 
from labor, affliction, pain, and sin. 

merciful God! Enable me to spend the ap- 
proaching Sunday in Thy fear and in Thy grace. 
Preserve me from evil companions, lest through 
their instrumentality Satan keep me away from 
Thy worship : and if any such evil persons should 
tempt me. grant that I may resist all their en- 
ticements. Guard me. lest I spend in idleness, 
indolence, wantonness, amusement, and sins, the 
holy day which Thou hast ordained for my growth 
in grace and for Thy praise and service, and thus 
do great injury to my soul. Grant me Thy Holy 
Spirit, that I may devote the entire day from 
morning till evening to Thee. Awake me early, 
that I may be among the first to appear in Thy 
house for praise, prayer, and song. Keep my 
soul in a constant frame of devotion, that no 
earthly cares may steal into my heart: and if 
any make their appearance there, help me to 
banish them by Thy power. If Satan should 
send me an evil neighbor who attempts to begin 
a worldly conversation with me in Thy house, 
enable me to turn a deaf ear to him; and let me, 
by my attentiyeness, awaken and encourage him 
to worship Tli ho. When Thy Word is preached. 
en my heart, that I may receive and keep it as 
a precious treasure. 



Prayer far Sabbath Eve. 21 

Grant that on this Sunday I may be strength- 
ened in the faith, and grow in the knowledge of 
the truth. Let the Word that is preached 

change, sanctity, convert, and renew me. so that, 
as I grow in years. I may grow also in the in- 
ward man. in faith and piety, and may become a 
new creature, yea. a living ineniber of the body 
of Christ. Let me finish the service in true de- 
votion, carefully treasure what I have learned. 
and close the day with prayers and hymns of 
praise. Let me ever be mindful of the Word I 
have heard, that I may live, speak, and act in ac- 
cordance with it and thus prove that I am not a 
forgetful hearer but a doer of the Word. Grant 
that I may thus hallow one Sunday and Sabbath 
after another, till Thou shalt take me to the 
everlasting joys of heaven, to the eternal Sab- 
bath above, through Jesus Christ, my only 
Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. 



HYMN. 

To thy temple I repair: 
Lord I love to worship there; 
When, within the veil. I m< 
Christ before the mercy-seat. 

I through Him am reconciled. 
I through Him become Thy child 
Abba, Father! Give me grace 
In Thv courts to seek Thv face. 



7; 



22 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

While Thy glorious praise is sung, 
Touch my lips, unloose my tongue, 
That my joyful soul may bless 
Christ the Lord, my righteousness. 

While the prayers of saints ascend, 
God of love, to mine attend ; 
Hear me, for Thy Spirit pleads ; 
Hear, for Jesus intercedes. 

While I hearken to Thy Law, 
Fill my soul with humble awe ; 
Till Thy Gospel bring to me 
Life and immortality. 

While Thy ministers proclaim 
Peace and pardon in Thy name, 
Through their voice, by faith may I 
Hear Thee speaking from the sky. 

From Thy house when I return, 
May my heart within me burn ; 
And at evening let me say, 
I have walked with God to-day. 

—James Montgomery, 1812. alt. 



Meditation on Sunday Morning. 23 

FOR SUNDAY MORNING. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 5: 2. Give ear to my words, Lord, consider 
my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my 
King and my God : for unto Thee will I pray. 

OUR whole life ought really to be a contin- 
uous prayer and giving of thanks; that 
is, we should daily call upon God for 
His blessing, help, strength, and grace, and, 
when we have received these, should thank Him 
for them. Therefore, O believer, when you 
awake from sleep in the morning, first of all lift 
up your eyes to heaven; think not first of your 
business and labor, and rush not at once to the 
pursuit of gain, but fall upon your knees, give 
thanks to God, and commend yourself to His pro- 
tection. Do not imagine that you will lose too 
much time, if you devote half an hour every 
morning to prayer and the reading of a chapter 
out of the Bible or some devotional book. No : 
the time you spend in prayer will be returned 
to you a thousand-fold in blessings on your 
labor; and that which you have read will be 
sweet as honey to your mouth throughout the 
day. 

Therefore, when you awake and rise from your 
bed in health, remember (1) that many pious 



24 Morning, Xoon, and Evening Derations. 

Christians, much more pious perhaps than you, 
have spent the past night in anxiety and grief, 
in pain and sickness, in terror and dismay, while 
you reposed peacefully in your bed. (2) Remem- 
ber that during the night others met with acci- 
dents, injury, peril and distress, while you re- 
mained unharmed. Therefore give thanks to 
God. (3) Beseech the Lord to keep you in His 
grace throughout the day, that you may not sin 
against Him or your neighbor. (4) Pray that 
He may be with you to guard and bless you in 
your business and occupation. (5) And surren- 
der yourself so completely to God, that through 
the whole day you may abide in His love, speak 
of Him, think of Him, and never deliberately 
offend Him. Then doubt not, but that God will 
graciously hear your sighing and supplication, 
and bestow upon you during the day those things 
which will be profitable for you in body and soul. 

MORNING PRAYER ON, SUNDAY. 

My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O 
Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer 
unto Thee, and will look up. O merciful God, 
Thou art worthy to receive blessing and honor 
and glory. Who would not fear Thee, O King of 
nations? TVho would not praise Thee, O loving 
Father? I come to Thee in this morning hour, 
and give Thee humble thanks, because Thou hast 



Morning Prayer on Sunday. 25 

been a bulwark around me and mine this night, 
and hast let me experience anew Thy mercy and 
faithfulness. Be with me and shield me to-day 
also in all my ways. Let this day be one of edifi- 
cation and quickening for my soul. In Thy 
mercy Thou hast made this day free from bodily 
labor, in order that Thou mightest carry on Thy 
work in me. O, do Thou therefore enlighten, 
sanctify, and instruct my soul, that I may lay up 
treasures which shall comfort me in danger and 
death, and support me under crosses and trials; 
and which neither moth nor rust can corrupt, nor 
thieves break through and steal. 

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go 
into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand 
within Thy gates, O Jerusalem. One thing have 
I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after ; that 
I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days 
of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and 
to inquire in His temple. My God! To-day it 
shall be my delight to listen to Thy Word, to be 
built up in Thee, to sing praises to Thy name, to 
pray fervently, and to yield my heart to Thee. 
How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of 
Hosts! My soul thirsteth for the living God. 
May I not be a forgetful hearer, but a doer of 
Thy Word. Open my heart like that of Lydia, 
that I may receive the seed of Thy Word with 
joy. Then seal my heart, that Satan may not 



26 Morning, Woon, and Evening Devotions. 

rot me df Thy Word again. Help me to lav to- 
day a firm foundation of true religion, of knowl- 
edge of my Lord Jesus, of faith, of self-denial, 
and of deadness to the world, that throughout 
the coming week I may think of what I have 
learned, act upon it. and bring forth good fruit. 
Strengthen me against temptations, so that, 
if Satan should send any of his servants to me, I 
may not dive to the world the hours which are 
sacred to Thee, nor sacrifice in their sinful com- 
pany the time which I desire to devote to Thy 
honor and glory, thus bringing upon myself a 
heavy curse which might oppress me all the week 
to come. O. let my public and private devotions, 
my praying, hearing, reading and singing be 
acceptable unto Thee! Be Thou, O Jesus. Thyself 
my instructor, that I may grow in the inward 
man. Yea. do Thou dwell in me by faith until, in 
the realms above. I shall be inseparably united, 
with Thee. Amen. 

HYMN. 



Away from every mortal eare, 
Away from earth, our souls retreat; 
We leave this worthies!? world afar. 
And wait and worship near Thy seat. 

Lord, in the temples of Thy grace. 

We bow before Thee and adore: 
We view the -lories of Thy face. 
And learn the wonders of Thy power. 



L. M. 



Meditation on Sunday. 27 

While here our various wants we mourn, 
United prayers ascend on high; 
And faith expects a sure return 
Of blessings in variety- 

Father, iny soul would here abide; 
Or, if my feet must hence depart, 
Still keep me, Father, near Thy side, 
Still keep Thy dwelling in my heart. 

— Watts. 1709. 



THE CHRISTIAN SPENDS SUNDAY IN 
DEVOTION. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 84 : 1, 2. How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O 
Lord of Hosts ! My soul longeth, yea even fainteth 
for the courts of the Lord : my heart and my flesh 
crieth out for the living God. 

AMONG the many benefits which God has 
y\ conferred upon man must be reckoned 
the appointment of a day of rest in each 
week, on which man is to be freed from labor 
and toil, and the bestowal of a special blessing 
upon all who observe this day properly. Conse- 
quently (1) the Christian should be careful not 
to spend this day in sloth and idleness; for that 
is the way in which horses, oxen, and other 
beasts of burden spend Sunday. (2) He should 



28 Morning, Soon, and Evening Devotions. 

be careful not to employ the day in feasting, 

drinking, and carousing; for what is sinful on 
any day is doubly so on the Lord's Day. (3) He 
should scrupulously avoid profaning the day by 
labor, by attending to earthly business, making 
pleasure-trips, collecting debts, making up ac- 
counts, hiring workmen, and the like; because 
all such occupations distract the mind. He 
should also avoid the giving and attending of 
feasts on Sunday, playing, dancing, and worldly 
company. All these things hinder the soul's edi- 
fication, disturb its peace in God, prevent its 
growth in true religion, and are wholly opposed 
to the object of the Sabbath. Those who do these 
things are not the children of God, but empty 
professors of religion, for whom, according to 
their own confession, no day is too long except 
Sunday. 

A true Christian will know how to make a 
better use of Sunday than this. He will em- 
ploy it for the glory of God and the good of his 
own soul. (1) He will employ it for the glory 
of God by prayer, praise, singing, and the con- 
templation of the goodness and mercy of God 
which he has experienced during the past week 
and all the days of his life. (2) He will employ 
it for the good of his own soul by hearing the 
Word of God, in order that he may increase in 
the knowledge of God and in true religion. (3) 



Prayer on tiiniday. 29 

All this he should do not only for an hour or 
half an hour, but through the whole day. Much 
depends on the proper observance of Sunday. 
There is a blessing connected with it. Why is 
it that so many persons labor under a curse? 
And old proverb says, "If God's Word you truly 
heed, You will never come to need." (4) When 
he has heard God's Word, the Christian should 
keep it in an honest and good heart, live in ac- 
cordance with it, act at once upon the rules of 
conduct which it gives, and accumulate for him- 
self a treasure of pregnant and comforting Scrip- 
ture passages, upon which he may draw in time 
of danger and in the hour of death. 

PRAYER OX SUNDAY. 

This is the day which the Lord hath made ; we 
will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the Lord's 
Day, and the day of rest granted to me by God. 
Therefore I will employ it for the glory of God 
in thanksgiving and prayer. 

I thank Thee, O God, for the manifold gifts 
which Thou hast bestowed upon me on this day. 
On a Sunday Jesus my Saviour arose from the 
dead, and the Holy Ghost was poured out upon 
the apostles. Therefore it behooves me to call 
to mind to-day my redemption through Jesus 
Christ, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, who 
was shed upon me abundantly in Holy Baptism. 



30 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

I thank Thee for Thy pure and holy Word, which 
Thou causest to be preached on this day for the 
instruction and edification of my soul. I thank 
Thee for all the bodily and spiritual blessings 
which I have received from Thy Fatherly hand 
during my lifetime; for from my youth Thou 
hast been with me, hast led and preserved 
me, and hast bestowed many benefits upon me 
in body and soul. O who can count all thy mer- 
cies? They are innumerable. 

This day shall, however, not only be for me 
a day of thanksgiving, but a day of prayer. I 
beseech Thee, my God and Father, let me spend 
this day in Thy fear. Preserve me from temp- 
tation, vain thoughts, and evil company. O that 
every artery Avere a tongue, and every drop of 
blood a voice, to laud and praise Thee, O Triune 
God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost! O that not 
a single hour might pass away in which I do 
not spread abroad Thy praise ! Seal in my heart 
the Word which I hear, that I may ponder it 
well, and regulate my conduct by it. And as 
I have now grown to be a week older, grant 
that I may increase in the knowledge of Thee, 
in love, and in piety, and may grow in the 
inward man. Give me, I beseech Thee, Thy 
Holy Spirit, that He may remind me of Thy 
Word during the coming week and all my life, 
and may rule and guide and lead me in all my 



Hymn on Sunday. 31 

ways. Add Thy blessing to my labor and em- 
ployment, and let me spend all my remaining 
days and years in Thy grace, till I reach, at last, 
that happy home above, where, with thanksgiv- 
ing and prayer, I shall be permitted to keep the 
eternal Sabbath of heaven. Amen. 



HYMN. 

C. M. 

This is the day the Lord hath made; 
He calls the hours His own : 
Let heaven rejoice, let earth be glad, 
And praise surround the throne. 

To-day He rose and left the dead, 
And Satan's empire fell; 
To-day the saints His triumph spread, 
And all His wonders tell. 

Hosanna to the anointed King, 
To David's holy Son; 
Help us, O Lord : descend and bring 
Salvation from Thy throne. 



Blest be the Lord who comes to men 
With messages of grace; 
Who comes in God the Father's Name 
To save our sinful race. 

Hosanna in the highest strains 

The Church on earth can raise ; 

The highest heavens in which He reigns 

Shall give Him nobler praise. 

— Watts. 17 ig. 



32 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

THE CHRISTIAN REFLECTS UPON THE 
THREEFOLD SABBATH. 

MEDITATION. 

Heb. 4: 9, 11. There remaineth therefore a rest 
to the people of Gocl. Let us labor therefore to enter 
into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example 
of unbelief. 

IN order to spend Sunday in a manner well- 
pleasing to God, the Christian should re- 
member that there is a threefold Sabbath 
to be kept. There is (1) a weekly Sabbath, which 
he should employ for the contemplation of the 
mercies which he has received from God. (2) 
There is also a daily or spiritual Sabbath, which 
is to be kept, not by the omission of our daily 
work or the spending of our time in idleness, 
but by the daily shunning of sin. By this we 
mean, that just as on Sunday the Christian ab- 
stains from his daily labor : so on every day he 
should abstain from wickedness and malice, be 
careful not to speak evil against God or his 
neighbor, not to do evil alone or in the company 
of others, and not to permit himself to be led 
astray by others, but to keep himself unspotted 
from the world. At the same time that he avoids 
these tilings, he should think of God frequently 
while he is at work, J)yslj silently to Him, and 
beseech Him for the guidance and strengthening 



Prayer on Sunday. 33 

of His Holy Spirit. This is the spiritual Sab- 
bath which -the child of God should celebrate 
daily. 

He who devoutly observes the weekly Sabbath, 
and earnestly keeps the daily Sabbath, may rest 
assured -that he will be permitted to celebrate 
(3) the eternal Sabbath of heaven. There the 
believing and elect children of God shall be freed 
from all bodily labor, from all crosses and trials, 
and from all sin. They shall see God face to 
face, dwell in His presence forever, and praise 
and serve Him without ceasing. O holy and 
glorious Sabbath, that shall never be disturbed! 
Those only shall have share in it, who abide in 
the faith and in the love of Jesus even unto 
death. 

PRAYER OX SUNDAY. 

Holy and merciful God ! Since I celebrate to- 
day the Sabbath and day of rest on which, in 
accordance with Thy holy ordinance, I am freed 
from my week-day labors, in order that I may 
be edified by Thy Word, and may rejoice in 
Thee: I beseech Thee to grant me Thy Holy 
Spirit, that I may spend the day in true devo- 
tion by hearing, reading, and meditating on Thy 
holy Word, and that I may shun all sinful dis- 
tractions, worldliness, evil company, and sin. 
3 



34 Morning. Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

On this weekly Sabbath I call to mind also 
the daily spiritual Sabbath, on which I should 
rest and abstain from sin, and should consecrate 
my body and soul, and my entire life, unto Thee. 
By Thy grace, therefore, O my God, this shall be 
my daily task : to do Thy will, not my own, and 
to banish all eyil thoughts and desires by Thy 
power, so that Thou inayest dwell in me. and 
mayest enlighten and sanctify me more and 
more. O God! Grant that this spiritual and 
daily Sabbath of my heart may neyer be dis- 
turbed. Do Thou pray in my heart, sing in my 
heart, and instruct within my heart; then shall 
my heart be Thy consecrated temple. 

And when, at last, according to Thy will, I 
shall haye ended the days of my earthly life and 
at the same time shall haye ended this daily 
Sabbath, let me enter upon the heayenly and 
eternal Sabbath, where, in eyerlasting rest and 
the enjoyment of the bliss of heayen, I shall 
praise Thee in the temple of Thy glory. There, 
with all the Cherubim and Seraphim, I shall 
join in the refrain, Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God 
of Sabaoth. Grant me, O Lord, this blessedness 
at last. Amen. 



Hymn on Sunday. 35 



HYMN. 

O Day of rest and gladness, 

O day of joy and light, 
O balm of care and sadness, 

Most beautiful, most bright ; 
On Thee the high and lowly, 

Bending before the throne, 
Sing Holy, Holy, Holy, 

To the Great Three in One. 

To-day on weary nations 

The heavenly manna falls; 
To holy convocations 

The silver trumpet calls 
Where Gospel light is glowing 

With pure and radiant beams, 
And living water flowing 

With soul-refreshing streams. 

New graces ever gaining 

From this our day of rest, 
We reach the rest remaining 

To spirits of the blest : 
To Holy Ghost be praises, 

To Father and to Son; 
The Church her voice upraises 

To Thee, blest Three in One. 

— Christopher Wordsworth, 1862. 



7, 6. D. 



86 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 



EVENING PRAYER ON SUNDAY. 

IORD, abide with me; for it is toward even- 
. ing, and the day is far spent. O Thou 
everlasting and almighty God! How 
marvelous are Thy works, how unspeakable is 
the goodness which Thou dost manifest toward 
the children of men! I can tell of Thy grace 
and truth, Thy love and mercy; for in the day 
that is closing Thou hast been exceedingly mer- 
ciful to me in body and soul. Thou hast fed my 
soul with the bread of life, and hast given me 
to drink of the living water. Thy word has been 
in my mouth sweeter than honey and the honey- 
comb. O let Thy Word through all my life be 
a light unto my path, that I may direct my way 
by it; then shall I not stumble, nor fall from 
Thy grace. 

Thou hast also preserved and sustained my 
body, so that I have reached this evening in 
health. I am not worthy of the many mercies 
which Thou hast bestowed upon me. When I 
now retire to rest, do Thou, O my Guardian, 
stand by my side, keep watch over me, and 
fold Thy protecting arms about me. Let me 
ever walk in the light of the Lord, and have 
no fellowship with the unfruitful works of dark- 
ness. Let Thy Word, which I -have heard and 



Evening Prayer on Sunday. 37 

learned, strike root in my heart as a holy seed, 
whose fruit shall be seen in my life, in piety, in 
the fear of God, in deadness to the world, and in 
complete consecration to Thee. Be Thou my 
shelter and defence against the heat of tempta- 
tion and the fiery darts of Satan. The Lord is 
my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? 
The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom 
shall I be afraid? Ward off from me and mine 
all danger by fire or water, and misfortune of 
every kind; and let all who are distressed, or 
sick, or dying, experience Thy grace. Then on 
the morrow our mouth shall be filled with Thy 
praise, and we will proclaim Thy goodness to 
us in body and soul. 

Forgive me, if I have not served Thee to-day 
with such zeal as I ought; and do not on that 
account take away Thy grace from me. In the 
new week let all things be new in me: give me 
a new love and a new desire for Thee. Help 
me to hate and forsake the sins which I com- 
mitted in the week that is passed, so that all 
men may see that I have not spent this Sunday 
in vain. Help me to bear in mind that I have 
an immortal soul, so that I may be more con- 
cerned for the welfare of my soul than my body. 
I retire now, O God, to rest and sleep. In so 
doing, I am reminded of my last long sleep, in 
which I shall rest till, on the joyful morning of 



38 Morning, ^Soon, and Evening Devotions. 

the resurrection, Thou shalt wake me to life 
eternal. Eetire then, my body, to rest in thy 
chamber, but Thou, my soul, into the wounds of 
Jesus. Amen. 

HYMN. 



Almighty God; Thy Word is cast 
Like seed into the ground; 

Xow let the dew of heaven descend, 
And righteous fruits abound. 



l <t ' 



Let not the foe of Christ and man 
This holy seed remove; 

But give it root in every heart, 
To bring forth fruits of love. 



l ^ 



C. M. 



Let not the world's deceitful cares 

The rising plant destroy; 
But let it yield a hundred-fold 

The fruits of peace and joy. 

Oft as the precious seed is sown, 
Thy quickening grace bestow, 

That all whose souls the truth receive, 
Its saving power may know. 

— John Cawood, 1616. 



Meditation after Hearing God's Word. 39 



THE CHRISTIAN THANKS GOD AFTER 
HEARING THE DIVINE WORD. 

MEDITATION. 

Jas. 1 : 22. Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers 
only, deceiving your own selves. 

THE children of this world abuse the priv- 
ilege of hearing God's Word, just as 
they do all the other blessings of God. 
They are, in this respect, widely different from 
the children of God. 

The children of this world imagine, (1) that, 
because they are freed from labor on Sunday, 
therefore the day is meant for their amusement 
and pleasure, and for the gratification of the 
flesh, — a view which is fundamentally false. 
(2) If they go to church at all, they attend 
divine service in the morning simply as a mat- 
ter of form, and then devote the afternoon to 
pleasure, to the chase, to games, to sinful amuse- 
ments, or to walking or driving; and they 
return home, if not intoxicated, at any rate filled 
with vain thoughts, sinful distractions of the 
mind, and worldly folly. (3) They do not heed 
the Word that has been preached; and if they 
were asked on Monday what benefit they 
have derived from going to church, what they 
have heard, and what they have learned, they 



Morning, 'Soon, and Evening Devotions. 

onld not tell yon. The devil immediately 

took the Word out of their hearts, lest they 

should ^iere and be saved (Luke 8:12). (-4) 

en if they remember anything, they do not 

pnt into practice what they have learned. 

True children of God, however, after having 
Bgon Sunday in the name of the Lord with 
prayer. 1 hear the Word of God reverently. 
They recall at home what they have heard, 
mark it well, and rejoice over it as a precious 
treasure. (3) They think of it during the 
whole week, and endeavor to pnt it into prac- 

In Old Testament times God chose for sacri- 
:: those animals which ruminated. In like 
manner, such souls are dearest to him as ru- 
minate ovei the W rd which they have heard 
and read, meditate upon it, and constantly 
:: m it new nourishment, strength, and 
tality; thus building themselves up unto life 
- Lai. 

PEAYEB AFTEB HEARING GOD'S WORD. 

.: 2e! How can I sufficiently 
thank Thee, how can I sufficiently praise and 
permitting me to enjoy this Sun- 
ken I have listened to Thy Word, and 
Lave learned from it how to believe aright, live 
ght, and die in peace? Thou hast caused 



Prayer after Hearing God's Word. 41 

Thy gracious will to be made known to me. 
Thou hast let me be taught what to avoid and 
what to do. Truly, Thou dost not permit Thy- 
self to remain without a witness; and none 
shall have an excuse for disobedience. Thou 
givest us Thy holy Word and the sacraments, 
that we may use them as means of grace for 
our salvation. Thy Holy Spirit seeks through 
them to teach, enlighten, sanctify, and estab- 
lish us in the faith. 

O merciful God! Let me not be a forgetful 
hearer, but a doer of the Word. W 7 hat will all 
my hearing profit me, if I do not obey? There- 
fore do Thou Thyself seal in me the Word which 
I have heard and read, and make it living, 
active and powerful in me. When the Word 
of life has entered and edified my heart, do 
Thou ; O Lord, lock my heart's door, lest Satan 
rob me of it again, and I return home empty. 
Let me take warning from the thousands who 
hear Thy Word, and yet do not turn from their 
evil ways and sinful habits, but who rather be- 
come more wicked and defiant than before. 
What profit do they derive from their church- 
going, hearing, singing, and praying? Will 
not the Word condemn them all the more, be- 
cause they have heard and known the will of 
the Lord, and yet have not obeyed it? 



42 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

O my God! Let nie this week become more 
pious and consecrated. Let me daily think of 
the Word which I have heard, speak of it with 
my family, rejoice over it, and constantly obey 
it. Have I learned from Thy holy Word that 
I should be meek, humble and merciful? O 
then grant me grace to be always mindful of 
my duty. Let me never give way to anger, 
revenge, pride, or unmercifulness, but let me 
love my enemies, deny myself, and do good to the 
poor and the needy. Have I heard that I 
should subdue my lusts and evil thoughts, cru- 
cify self, put off the old man and put on the new, 
and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this 
present world? Then grant me grace and 
strength to exercise myself daily in these 
duties, and to perform Thy will. And though 
at first I shall make but little progress, help 
me to grow in holiness, and to purify myself 
more and more from all sin of body and soul. 

As the children of this world guard and keep 
their earthly possessions with the greatest care; 
even so give me strength to guard as a price- 
less treasure the holy truths, the precious doc- 
trines, and the powerful exhortations to holy 
living, given to me in Thy Word, and daily to 
add to that treasure: so that in all times of 
extremit}', in trouble, in affliction, in sickness, 
and in the hour of death, I may be able to draw 



Hymn after Hearing God's Word. 43 

from it one passage of Scripture after another 
for my consolation. Yea, my God, let me daily 
increase, not only in age, but in wisdom, piety, 
godliness, and knowledge of Thy will, and in 
favor with God and men. Amen. 



HYMN. 

C. M. 

Accept, O Lord, Thy servant's thanks 

For Thy enlivening Word, 
By Thy most Holy Spirit taught, 

By holy prophets heard. 
That Word in Thy recording Book 

From age to age descends: 
Her teaching here Thy Church begins, 

And here her teaching ends. 

Whatever of truth the soul can need 

To clear her darkling sight, 
Whate'er to check the wandering feet, 

And guide their course aright; 
Whate'er of fear the bad to daunt, 

Of hope the good to cheer; 
All that may profit man, O Lord, 

Thy bounty gives us here. 

Joined with our household's little church, 

And in our lonely hours, 
And in the assembly of the saints, 

That sacred Word be ours, 
To read and hear, to mark aud learn, 

And inwardly digest; 
And He who gave the Word, may He 

On those who learn it, rest. 



44 Morning , Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

Thence on our hearts may lively faith 

Celestial comfort pour, 
And patience, tightener of our ills, 

And hope that looks before: 
That we with Thy united Church, 

May lift our souls above, 
And with one heart and mouth proclaim 

Thy glory, God of love. 

— Richard Mant, 1837. 



MORNING PRAYER ON MONDAY. 

CAUSE me to hear Thy loving kindness in 
the morning; for in Thee do I trust: 
cause me to know the way wherein I 
should walk ; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. 
O holy, merciful, and only-wise God, who hast 
created the heavens and laid the foundations of 
the earth, and hast decreed that day and night, 
light and darkness, labor and rest shall follow 
each other in regular succession, so that men 
and beasts may recruit their strength! In this 
morning hour I laud and praise Thee for Thy 
wisdom and Fatherly faithfulness; for Thou 
hast heard my prayer, hast guarded me during 
the past night against sickness and other mis- 
fortune, and hast thrown Thy protection around 
all that is mine. 



Morning Prayer on Monday. 45 

Lord, great and marvelous are Thy works! 
Thy mercy is great above the heavens, and Thy 
truth reacheth unto the clouds. I slept, but 
Thou didst wake; I lay in sleep as one who was 
dead, but Thou hast permitted me to behold 
again the light of the sun. O my God, be Thou 
to-day also my Helper and Saviour, my Strength 
and Stay, my Kefuge and Consolation. Watch 
over me, that under Thy guardian care I may 
follow my daily occupation in safety, and, if 
Thou dost will it, reach the evening unharmed. 
My God, let Thy blessing always go before and 
follow after me. In all that I begin in Thy 
name bless me with wisdom and success, and 
let me never desire anything which Thou dost 
not approve. With the rising of the sun, let 
the light of the Holy Spirit arise in my heart, 
that I may spend the day in Thy fear and love, 
and in obedience to Thy will. Create in me a 
clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit 
within me; cast me not away from Thy pres- 
ence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. 
Let the Holy Spirit lead, instruct, and guide 
me, that I may not wilfully sin against Thee 
to-day. And if I should be tempted to do 
wrong, may He remind me of my duty, and by 
His inward admonitions keep me faithful. 

I put on my clothes ; Lord, do Thou clothe me 
with the robe of Thy righteousness. I wash my- 



46 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions, 

self; Lord Jesus, do Thou wash me with Thy 
precious blood, and cleanse me from all my sins. 
Guard me, that I may never walk in the coun- 
sel of the ungodly, nor sit in the seat of the 
scornful, whose friendship would mean Thy en- 
mity. If I should seek the friendship of the 
world and share in its sinful doings, Thou 
wouldest become my enemy. O my God, impress 
upon my heart the word : " Walk before me and 
be Thou perfect." How many begin a week but 
do not conclude it ; how many, when it ends, are 
sick or even in their graves! Therefore let me 
ever follow after holiness, without which no man 
shall see Thee. Let me be concerned always to 
think and say and do what is well-pleasing to 
Thee, so that I may ever remain in a state of 
grace, and be found safe in the wounds of Jesus. 
The grace of the Father preserve me ; the love of 
the Son sanctify me ; the communion of the Holy 
Ghost make me fruitful unto all good works. 
Amen. 



Meditation on Monday. 47 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS FOR GOD'S 

BLESSING AT THE BEGINNING 

OF THE WEEK. 

MEDITATION. 

Col. 3 : 17. Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, 
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks 
to God and the Father by Him. 



I 



F the Christian has reason to pray at the be- 
ginning of each new day, how much more 
reason has he not to lift his heart and eyes 
to God at the beginning of each new week. How 
many persons spend Sunday, the first day of the 
week, in health, but are dead and buried before 
the following Saturday. How many begin a week 
happy and prosperous, but are overwhelmed with 
misfortune as with a flood before the week ends, 
and conclude it in sorrow and pain amid a thou- 
sand tears and the wringing of hands. This, my 
dear Christian, may happen also to you. There- 
fore at the beginning of the week you should turn 
to God. 

A true Christian should (1) pray to God for 
His Holy Spirit to sanctify his heart, lest he fall 
into sin, offend God, wound his own conscience, 
or wrong his neighbor, and thus burden his soul 
with a heavy responsibility. (2) He should not 
neglect his prayers and the worship of God dur- 



48 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

ing the week, but should faithfully attend not 
only the Sunday services, but such other services 
also as are held during the week. (3) Because 
the blessing of God is needed upon our labors, 
he should pray for that blessing. In the midst 
of his labors he should think of God, and should 
begin, continue, and end his work with prayer. 
(4) He should be careful in his speech, conduct 
himself in a Christian manner, keep God before 
his eyes, and remember that one week after an- 
other will pass away, till the last week of his 
life arrives, and his soul must appear before God 
to give an account. He who does these things 
can begin the week with God's blessing, and end 
it under His protection. And even if it should 
prove to be a week of heavy crosses, God will be 
and remain His Helper, Saviour, and Friend. 

PRAYER ON MONDAY. 

O loving and merciful God! By Thy grace I 
begin this new week, but I do not know what it 
has in store for me. How much evil and misfor- 
tune may befall us in a single day! How much 
more in a whole week ! Therefore at the very be- 
ginning of this week I come to Thee, and com- 
mend myself wholly to Thy keeping. 

O my God! Grant me Thy Holy Spirit to 
sanctify, lead, and direct me, and to bear wit- 
ness with my spirit that I am Thy child. Let 



Prayer on Monday. 49 

Thy blessing rest on me throughout this week. 
Bless my going out and my coming in, bless my 
daily occupation and business, bless each step 
I take. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, 
from whence cometh my help. My help cometh 
from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 
If Thou leadest me, I shall not go astray. If 
Thou keepest me, I shall not fall. Therefore let 
Thy mercy and faithfulness guard me in all my 
ways. Bless all that is mine, and let it prosper 
under Thy care. 

O my God and faithful Father! Protect and 
guard me against harm, danger, loss, and mis- 
fortune. Let me remain day and night beneath 
the shelter of Thy grace. Guard my house on 
every side like the house of Job. Let Thy angels 
barricade me on every hand; then shall no mis- 
fortune overwhelm me, however great it may be. 
Hear my prayer when I cry unto Thee, and let 
me not go unheard from the throne of Thy grace. 
Preserve me from great transgressions. Show 
me Thy ways, O Lord; lead me in Thy truth. 
Unite my heart to fear Thy name. Grant that 
during this week I may become more pious and 
godly, and may increase in the knowledge and 
love of Thee. And as I leave week after week 
behind me, grant that I may grow in the inward 
man, and may add to my faith virtue; and to 
virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temper- 

4 



50 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

ance; and to temperance, patience; and to pa- 
tience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly 
kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity: so 
that, when the last week of my life arrives, I 
may be assured of Thy grace. Should this week 
prove to be one of afflictions, strengthen me by 
Thy Holy Spirit, that by Thy help I may pa- 
tiently endure and overcome them. Be Thou my 
Helper and Saviour in every time of need. And 
now, together with all pious Christians, I com- 
mit myself, body and soul, with all that I possess, 
to Thy Fatherly care. Amen. 

HYMN. 

C. M. 

Now that the sun is beaming bright, 

Once more to God we pray, 
That He, the uncreated Light, 

May guard our souls this day. 

No sinful word, no deed of wrong, 

Nor thoughts that idly rove ; 
But simple truth be on our tongue, 

And in our hearts be love. 

And while the hours in order flow, 

O Christ, securely fence 
Our gates, beleaguered by the foe, 

The gate of every sense. 

And grant that to Thine honor, Lord, 

Our daily toil may tend : 
That we begin it at Thy Word, 

And in Thy favor end. 

— John Henry Newman, Tr. 1842. a. 



Meditation on Monday Evening. 51 



MEDITATION OX MONDAY EVENING. 

Ps. 4: 8. I will both lay me down in peace and 
sleep ; for Thou. Lord, only makest me dwell in 
safety. 

SINCE gratitude is a lovely grace, well-pleas- 
ing to God and men. the Christian should 
not forget to be thankful when God has 
permitted him to lire through the day and to 
reach the evening in safety. It is deplorable 
that so many persons spend days, and weeks, and 
months, and even years, without any acknowl- 
edgement of God's goodness to them. They enjoy 
the protection, help, and support of God; yet 
they never thank Him. but regard it entirely as 
a matter of course that they should be well and 
happy and prosperous, as though God were 
obliged to preserve them and let them prosper. 
But separate yourself. O believer, from such un- 
thankful souls. When you have spent the day 
in safety under God's protection and care, when 
the sun declines and the evening shadows fall, 
then lift up your eyes to heaven in thanksgiving 
and prayer. 

Give thanks to God (1) because He has pre- 
served you against danger throughout the day; 
and bear in mind that many persons have, per- 
haps, spent in misery the day which passed so 



52 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

happily for you. While you dwelt in safety, 
others haYe lost their health. Though well and 
strong in the morning, they are found lying sick 
in their beds in the evening. And how many 
others hare, in a single day, been reduced to a 
state of penury of which they little dreamed in 
the morning. 

Pray to God (2) for the forgiveness of your sins. 
Examine your words and deeds. Have you dur- 
ing the day spoken against God or your neigh- 
bor? Have you done anything which is con- 
demned by your own conscience and the Chris- 
tion religion? O then do not retire to rest until 
you have besought God to pardon you. (3) Re- 
member that perhaps this very night your soul 
will be required of you by God. O, therefore, 
make your peace with Him before you close your 
eyes in slumber. (4) Pray to God for His pro- 
tection and the guardian care of His holy angels 
to ward off all danger from you. (5) And if you 
should awake from sleep during the night, think 
of God and give thanks to Him. Then shall your 
sleep be calm and peaceful, in His arms, and un- 
der the guardian care of His holy angels. 

EVENING PRAYER ON MONDAY. 

I will both lay me down in peace and sleep; 
for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. 
O eternal and almighty God, these are the even- 



Evening Prayer on Monday. 53 

ing thoughts with which I seek my rest. How 
shall I give Thee sufficient thanks for Thy good- 
ness? Thou hast kept me in all ray ways, so 
that I have not dashed my foot against a stone. 
Thou hast supplied me with food and drink; 
Thou hast comforted and refreshed me ; Thy visi- 
tation hath preserved my spirit; and through 
Thee and Thy goodness I have been permitted to 
live to this day. All these and other mercies are 
voices which call upon me to give praise to Thee. 
Therefore, bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that 
is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the 
Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. 
Forgive me, O Lord, in mercy forgive me, if I 
have not kept the example of my Lord Jesus 
before my eyes to-day, but have slighted Thy 
commandments, lived with the world, followed 
its ways, and given the rein to my desires. Wert 
Thou not a long-suffering God, yea, the very 
Father of Mercies, I should no longer be alive; 
for no man could forbear with me as long as 
Thou hast forborne. But Thou hast done so, in 
order that Thou mightest give me time for re- 
pentance and conversion. O Lord, I abhor my- 
self, and repent in dust and ashes. The day has 
now passed away : O Lord, blot out my sins and 
disperse them as mist; remember them no more 
against me forever. In true sincerity of heart I 
make solemn promise, O Lord, that I will hence- 



54 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

forth serve Tliee diligently, and regulate my life 
by Thy Word. 

Protect me this night against all the wiles of 
the devil, and shield me from misfortune and 
harm. When I fall asleep, do Thou, O Jesus, 
Thyself close my eyes, and hold before my heart 
Tlry bleeding image, that I may not forget Thee. 
Let my soul constantly desire and long after 
Thee, ever hold fast to Thee, and remain Thine 
even while I sleep. Be my Light in darkness, 
my Refuge in distress. When Thou saidst, Seek 
ye My face, my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, 
Lord, will I seek. I know none to whom to go, 
save to Thee, O almighty God. My Father is 
with me, why then should I fear, though I lie 
in solitude and sleep? My Jesus, the Light of 
my soul, is with me, though my bodily eye be 
closed. The Holy Ghost is with me, and bears 
Avitness with my spirit that I am a child of 
God, even though I lie insensible in slumber. 
Wrapped in the protection of the Triune God, 
I sleep secure like Jacob ; I slumber unconcerned 
as a child on its mother's breast ; I sleep protect- 
ed like Peter. Amen. 



Morning Prayer on Tuesday. 55 



MORNING PRAYER ON TUESDAY. 

AWAKE, thou that sleepest, and arise from 
r\ the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 
O Thou gracious God, whose mercies and 
faithfulness are new every morning! I thank 
and praise Thee with heart and voice, that Thou 
hast again permitted me to arise from my bed in 
health, and hast kept my body from harm and 
my soul from sin. How excellent is Thy loving- 
kindness, O God! therefore the children of men 
put their trust under the shadow of thy 
wings, and find there mighty protection. After 
the darkness I behold again the light of the 
sun: grant me grace to walk this day in Thy 
light, and to shun the works of darkness. I re- 
gard that day lost on which I have served the 
world, and have let my lips, my limbs, and my 
senses be ruled by the habits and follies of the 
world, — a course for which I must one day give 
an account before Thy judgment-throne. I there- 
fore offer myself Avholly to Thee with body and 
soul. Let me wish nothing, undertake nothing, 
and plan nothing but what is pleasing to Thee, 
so that the whole day may be hallowed unto 
Thee. Let me constantly live, speak, and act as 
if this dav must be my last. 



56 Morning, Soon, and Evening Devotions. 

Now that the darkness is past, in which I lay 
as a child asleep in Thy arms, and I awake to 
consciousness once more, I know not whither to 
turn but to Thee. I knock at the door of Thy 
grace; I turn to the fountain-head, whence I 
draw blessing after blessing and grace after 
grace. What Thou dost bless is blessed forever. 
When Thou openest Thy liberal hand, Thou 
satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Give 
me counsel when I need counsel ; direct my plans 
and undertakings according to Thy will. Kindle 
in me the flame of divine love, that I may this 
day show forth my faith by my works, abide in 
true love to Thee and my neighbor, and reach 
the evening with a good conscience. Unto Thee 
will I cry, O Lord, my Eock ; be not silent to me : 
lest if Thou be silent to me, I become like them 
that go down into the pit. Hear the voice of 
my supplications as I lift up my hands toward 
Thy sanctuary. Let the prayer of the wretched, 
the sorrowing, the sick, and the prayer of my 
house and of all believers find a hearing at Thy 
throne of grace. Amen. 



Meditation on Tuesday. 57 

THE CHRISTIAN REJOICES OVER HIS 
REGENERATION. 

MEDITATION ON TUESDAY. 

1 Pet. 1: 3, 4. Blessed be the God and Father of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abund- 
ant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope 
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to 
an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that 
fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. 

HE that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 
He that rejoices, let him rejoice over 
such things as can make him eternally 
happy. If there be anything concerning which 
a Christian may justly glory and rejoice, it is 
assuredly his regeneration, — the fact that he has 
been baptized, and has thus become a child of 
God. 

In Holy Baptism, (1) we have been received 
into sonship with God. As our Father, God will 
sustain, preserve, and provide for us, His chil- 
dren, and will never forsake us. (2) We have re- 
ceived the righteousness of Christ. All the merit 
which Jesus has acquired by His sufferings and 
death has been bestowed upon us in Holy Bap- 
tism, and has become our possession. We are 
planted in Him. He is the vine; we are the 
branches. Through Him we receive strength to 
do right, and obtain light, wisdom, and grace. 



58 Morning, Soon, and Evening Devotions. 

(3) There is given to us the indwelling of the 
Holy Spirit, to abide in us, sanctify our hearts, 
control our tongue, and regulate our whole life 
according to the Word and will of God. Through 
the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit we are 
more and more drawn away from sin, and are 
made to grow in faith and godliness, just as a 
new-born child grows in age and strength. (4) 
We receive eternal life, and shall share in the 
eternal joys and glories of heaven. 

Whoever realizes these blessings, surely has 
abundant reason to rejoice in God. But he 
should be on his guard that (1) he may not for- 
feit the grace which has been bestowed upon 
him; (2) that he may walk worthy of the voca- 
tion wherewith he is called; (3) that he may not 
love the world, nor delight in the society of the 
worldly, nor deliberately sin against God; and 

(4) that he may, as a true child, be obedient to 
his heavenly Father, follow the example of the 
Lord Jesus, and never resist the promptings of 
the Holy Spirit. If he thus conducts himself, 
he shall enjoy the grace and help and comfort 
of the Triune God in time and eternity. 

PRAYER ON TUESDAY. 

O mighty God and dearest Father! How 
shall I sufficiently acknowledge, laud and mag- 
nify Thy love, which has taken pity on my soul 



Prayer on Tuesday. 59 

and rescued it from destruction? What glory 
hast Thou not bestowed upon me in Holy Bap- 
tism, receiving me as Thine own child! Men 
boast of their noble birth, exalted position, and 
earthly wealth. But I value still more highly 
the blessedness which belongs to me as Thy 
child. For if we are children of God, then 
heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; 
if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may 
be also glorified together. Since I am a child of 
God, my heavenly Father will keep, guide, sus- 
tain, and defend me, and will never under any 
circumstances forsake me. He will not only be 
my Stay in life, but my Joy in death. He will 
quicken, strengthen, and comfort me. And when 
I depart from this world, He will take me to the 
life of joy above. 

O dearest Father, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, 
that He may constantly remind me of this 
blessedness which is mine. I am as yet in the 
world, and dwell among the children of men. O 
guard me, that I may not follow the example of 
the wordlings and live in sin, nor in any way 
endanger my salvation by conforming to their 
ways. If I see others doing wrong, or hear them 
speaking evil, let me remember that I am a child 
of God, and that such sins and vices are un- 
becoming to me. Enable me by Thy grace to 
say to the world: "My divine sonship and 



60 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

heavenly inheritance shall not be bartered for 
thy pleasures and vanities." O my Jesus ! Thou 
knowest that I love Thee, and that I am filled 
with genuine sorrow whenever I fail to love Thee 
as I would and should. O, accept my heart's 
desires, and enable me to lead a life of faith 
and holiness and devotion and purity and child- 
like humility. Let me love, honor, fear, and 
follow Thee, that I may live and die as Thy 
child, and may, as Thy child, share in the joys 
of heaven. Amen. 

HYMN. 

c. M. 
O for a principle within 
Of jealous godly fear! 
O for a tender dread of sin, 
A pain to feel it near! 

That I from Thee no more may part, 
No more Thy goodness grieve, 

The filial awe, the loving heart, 
The tender conscience give. 



Quick as the apple of an eye, 
O God, my conscience make; 

Awake my soul when sin is nigh, 
And keep it still awake. 

If to the right or left I stray, 
That moment, Lord, reprove; 

Nor let me wander far away, 
Nor ever grieve Thy love. 



Evening Prayer on Tuesday. 61 

O may the least omission pain 

My well-instructed soul, 
And drive me to the blood again, 

Which makes the wounded whole. 

— C. Wesley, 1749. a. 



EVENING PRAYER ON TUESDAY. 

THE Lord is on my side; I will not fear: 
what can man do unto me? With these 
words I come into Thy presence, O gra- 
cious and loving God, in this evening hour, and 
give Thee humble thanks, because Thou hast 
permitted me to spend this day under Thy Fath- 
erly protection, Thy loving care, Thy gracious 
guidance, and Thy abundant blessing. Lord, 
Thy goodness is great, and Thy compassions fail 
not. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call 
upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. 
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him ; 
He also will hear their cry and will save them. 

O my God! How swiftly a day passes aAvay! 
As an arrow shot from the bow, so swiftly our 
years do fly. Therefore make me to know mine 
end, and the measure of my days, what it is ; that 
I may know how frail I am. Behold, Thou hast 
made my days as an handbreadth ; and mine age 
is as nothing before Thee. We must all appear 



62 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

before the judgment-seat of Christ; that every 
one may receive the things done in the body, 
according to that he hath done, whether it be 
good or bad. Therefore I enter into judgment 
with myself, and inquire : My soul, how hast thou 
spent this day? Hast thou been employed with 
thoughts of good? Has God remained united 
with thee, or hast thou grieved Him by delib- 
erate and wilful sin? Hast thou spoken what 
was honest and pure and of good report? Hast 
thou spread abroad God's praise? Or hast thou 
overflowed with filthiness and foolish talking? 
Whither have ye gone, ye feet? What have ye 
done, ye hands? What have ye heard, ye ears? 
What have ye looked upon, ye eyes? What has 
been thy desire and aim and effort to-day, my 
heart? 

O my God ! If I must give answer to all these 
questions, how shall I stand in Thy sight? O 
Lord, with the passing day take away also my 
transgressions. O Jesus, cleanse me from my 
sins with Thy precious blood. O Holy Spirit, 
seal unto me the forgiveness of all my sins be- 
fore I fall asleep, so that, if this night should 
prove to be my last, I may not perish eternally. 
If I am thus absolved from my sins, then, O 
Triune God, I shall sleep in peace; and on the 
morrow I will avoid with greater diligence all 
that is displeasing to Thee. My Father, spread 



Morning Prayer on Wednesday. 63 

the covering of Thy love over me and mine. 
My Jesus, let me repose in peace and safety in 
Thy wounds. O Holy Spirit, cause the last sigh 
with which I fall asleep to be a committal of 
my soul into the hands of God. Amen. 



MORNING PRAYER ON WEDNESDAY. 

WHEN I awake, I am still with Thee! O 
gracious and merciful God, my Rock, 
my Fortress, and my Deliverer, my 
Buckler and the Horn of my Salvation, and my 
High ToAver ! In this morning hour I lift up my 
voice to the throne of Thy grace, and thank 
Thee that Thou hast spread Thy wings over me 
during the past night, and hast protected my 
body and soul from harm. Blessed be the Lord 
every day, and praised be His name forever and 
ever. My God, Thou sparest my life from day to 
day, in order that I may prepare myself for eter- 
nity, and may yield myself to Thee as Thy pos- 
session and habitation. Thou hast created me for 
life eternal, and wouldest not have that I should 
perish, but that I should repent and live. There- 
fore let me employ this day in working out my 
own salvation with fear and trembling. I am 
now in the middle of the week; if it be Thy 



61 Homing, ^Soon, and Evening Devotions. 

will, let nie pass its remaining days under Thy 
protection and grace. Though I walk in the 
midst of trouble, do Thou, revive me. Stretch 
forth Thine hand against the wrath of mine 
enemies, and let Thy right hand save me. O 
Jesus, my Mediator! Dwell in my heart, that I 
may turn to Thee amid all the vicissitudes of 
life, in trouble, in distress, and in the hour of 
death, and find help in Thee. If God be for me, 
who can be against me? O dearest Saviour! Let 
me tread to-day in Thy footsteps, and walk even 
as Thou didst walk. Then shall I escape the 
allurements of the world and the deceptions of 
my own heart. 

Be with me as I follow my earthly occupa- 
tion. In the fulness of faith I say : Lord I 
will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. 
Whether I sleep or wake, and wherever I go or 
am, let Thy blessing rest upon me. While I 
pursue my daily calling, let my heart turn 
constantly to Thee. And should my heart be in- 
clined to entangle itself in the lusts and pleasures 
of the world, give me strength to tear it loose 
from these things, and to sink it into Thy love, 
my Father, and into Thy wounds, my Jesus, so 
that it may not stray from Thy fellowship, and 
in the evening may still be found in Thee. If a 
conflict awaits me today, help me to overcome; 
if a sinful thought awakes in my heart or an 



Meditation on Wednesday. 65 

unseemly word rises to my lips, give me strength 
to suppress it by Thy Holy Spirit. Watch over 
my household; and let the light of Thy grace 
shine upon all who are sick or sorrowing. Amen. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS GOD TO WEAN 
HIM FROM THE WORLD. 

MEDITATION ON WEDNESDAY. 

Rom. 12 : 2. Be not conformed to this world ; but 
be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that 
ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and 
perfect will of God. 

WHEN the Christian remembers that the 
love of the world, like a weed, grows 
spontaneously in the soul, while the 
fear and love of God, like a beautiful and fra- 
grant flower, must be planted and tenderly cul- 
tivated, he can readily see what circumspection 
and labor are required of him. He should 
therefore (1) recognize that the world is both 
in him and around him. Within him are the 
evil lusts, the deceitful arts, and the sinful de- 
sires and thoughts of his heart. Without are 
the example, the enticements, and the tempta- 
tions of wicked men. (2) The Christian must 
resist these evil influences. He must overcome 



66 Morning. ^Soon. and Evening Devotions. 

the lusts of his own heart by prayer and suppli- 
cation, and the allurements of the world by the 
avoidance of its society, habits, customs, and 
manners. (3) But since he cannot do this by 
his own power, he must pray fervently to God 
for grace and strength. 

This separation from the world (4) must not 
be understood to mean that we must lock our- 
selves up, and refuse to speak to any one or 
to associate with other people; but that we 
must refuse to do wrong or to imitate the 
wicked works of the worldling. For if we 
would have absolutely nothing to do with 
worldly people, we should, as St. Paul declares, 
have to go out of the world entirely. We are to 
be in the world without following its wicked 
ways, just as Joseph was in Egypt, Lot in 
Sodom, and Daniel and his companions in Baby- 
lon. (5) This separation from the world is not to 
be effected for a few days, for appearance's sake, 
just before we go to the confessional service 
and the Lord's Supper, but is to be continuous. 
When the world is driven out of the heart, 
Jesus enters and dwells there. 

PRAYER OX WEDNESDAY. 

O merciful and loving God: how great is 
Thy goodness toward us, in that Thou dost so 
patiently bear with our faults and weaknesses, 



Prayer on Wednesday. 67 

and dost not at once measure out upon us the 
punishment which we have deserved! O, Thou 
hast opened my eves through Thy Word, so that 
I now see myself in the right light, and recog- 
nize the depravity of my heart. I feel that the 
world is within and without me. Within me 
are the evil desires of my heart, its sinful in- 
clinations, and its promptings to evil. Around 
me are wicked men, who would lead me into 
sin by their example and temptations. Alas, 
my natural evil heart takes more pleasure in 
them than in Thy holy Word or in the holy life 
which I should lead in accordance with Thy 
Word. Woe is me, that I have so long, so 
often, and so readily permitted myself to be 
allured and led astray by the world! When I 
think of the follies of my youthful years, I am 
ashamed to lift up my eyes to Thee. I was 
more concerned to please the world than Thee; 
I clung more to the world than to Thee. And 
thus I offended Thee, wounded my conscience, 
and incurred Thy wrath. 

But behold, O God, I turn from my evil ways, 
and repent in dust and ashes. I separate my- 
self from the world, that Thou alone mayest 
possess and rule my heart. Let Thy Holy Spirit 
sanctify me wholly, and cleanse me from every 
vestige of world] iness. Keep before my eyes 
the dreadful end which awaits the children of 



68 Morning^ Woortj and Evening Devotions. 

this world, so that I may love, follow, and obey 
Thee, and not the world. Restrain me when- 
ever I show any inclination to live with the 
world or to indulge in its sins. Let me always 
keep Thy fear before my eyes. Remind me ever. 
that Thou hast created me for Thy service, and 
that I must daily put on the new man which 
after God is created in righteousness and true 
holiness. Cause the world to become more and 
more distasteful to me: and holiness, the fear 
of God. and heaven to become more and more 
attractive. Grant me grace to despise and 
shun the fleeting lusts and pleasures of the 
world, remembering that nothing but anxiety, 
distress of conscience, and eternal destruction 
can follow upon them. Destroy within me 
every remnant of the world and its love, and 
plant Thy holy fear within my heart. Amen. 

HYMN. 

L. M. 

Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly Dove. 
With light and comfort from above. 
Bh Thou my Guardian. Thou my Guide; 
O'er every thought and step preside. 

The light of truth to me display. 
That I may know and choose Thy way; 
Plant holy fear within my heart. 
That I from Time may ne'er depart. 



Evening Prayer on Wednesday. 69 

Conduct me safe, conduct me far 
From every sin and hurtful snare; 
Lead me to God, my final Rest, 
In His enjoyment to be blest. 

Lead me to holiness, the road 
That I must take to dwell with God; 
Lead to Thy Word, that rules must give, 
And sure directions how to live. 

Lead me to Christ, the living Way, 
Nor let me from His pastures stray. 
Lead me to heaven, the seat of bliss, 
Where pleasure in perfection is. 

— Simon Browne, ij20. a. 



EVENING PEAYEE OX WEDNESDAY. 

I LAID me down and slept ; I awaked ; for the 
Lord sustained me. O holy, merciful and 
only- wise God! Thou hast again per- 
mitted me this day to experience that Thou art 
the true Father of our race, of whom the whole 
family in heaven and earth is named. In Thine 
infinite mercy Thou hast cared for me. and pro- 
vided for ail my wants. O Lord, I am not worthy 
of the least of the many mercies which Thou dost 
bestow upon me. What shall I render unto the 
Lord for all His benefits to me, who am but 
dust and ashes? Despise not the humble offer- 



i Mo :. lng 3 Woon . and K . n Dt 

ing of praise which I bring to Thee in this even- 
ing hour, and let Thy grace continue to rest 

upon me. 

give Die, merciful G \. : : all ray sins 
against Thee this day in th< aght or word or 

deed. And grant, that, as I lay aside my 
clothes, I may also la; all evil habits, im- 

proper conduct, and sins, and may on the nior- 
row, and during all my future life, hate and for- 
sake them. Help me to pnt B : mceraing the 
former nversation the old man. which is cor- 
rupt according to the deceitful lusts, and to put 
n :he new man. which aff i God is created in 
g] liteousness and true holiness. Ler me. to- 
gether with all my relatives and the members 
my household, sleep in peace and safety be- 
neath the shadow of Thy win.-. 

The sun ha- set; but do Thou, Jesus, Thou 

Sun of Eighte osness, shine within my heart. 

Fill my soul with good impulses m while I 

: so that, when I awake, the thought of 

- may be present in my heart. And grant. 

that on sle ^pless nights I may think of Thee 

and Thy g< -Iness, of Thy faithfulness and 

gracious guidance, and may thus banish all 

foolish cares and sinful thoughts. Renew my 

si ength through sleep, that I may rise in the 

and cheerful. As the shep- 



Morning Prayer on Thursday. 71 

herd watches over his flock, even so do Thou 
watch over me in body and soul. 

But if, for the trial of my faith and patience 
and hope, Thou shouldest permit misfortune of 
any kind to befall me, then remember, O God, 
that I am Thy child; that without Thee I can 
do nothing; and that I depend on Thee, as my 
Father, to send me deliverance and help from 
Thy sanctuary. Be my Joy in sorrow, my Com- 
fort in affliction, my Kefuge in distress. Let 
the thought of Thy omnipresence and Thy all- 
seeing eye keep me by day and by night from 
sinning against Thee. As the shadows of night 
settle down upon me, I lift up mine eyes unto 
the hills, from whence cometh my help; my 
help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven 
and earth. Amen. 



MORNING PRAYER ON THURSDAY. 

GIVE ear to my words, O Lord, consider my 
meditation. Hearken unto the voice of 
my cry, my King and my God ; for unto 
Thee will I pray. O gracious and merciful God ! 
I laud and magnify Thee in this morning hour, 
not only because Thou hast sustained and pre- 
served me with Fatherly care from my youth up, 



72 Morning, Xoon, and Evening Devotions. 

but also because Thou hast been ruy Strength and 
Shield during the past night, and hast permitted 
me to rise again in health to welcome the light 
of day. 

O Thou in whose favor is life! What is man 
that Thou art mindful of him, and the son of 
man that Thou visitest him? I lay unconscious 
in sleep, but Thy visitation preserved my spirit. 
Thou didst surround me and my house with an 
angel-guard, so that no harm or misfortune could 
befall me. Thou hast refreshed me with a 
peaceful sleep, such as was, perhaps, denied to 
many sick, sorrowing, and anxious souls. And 
yet I deserved chastisement fully as much and 
even more than they. For I have not been as 
grateful to Thee as I should have been for the 
unspeakable mercies which I have received 
from Thee during all my life, nor have I offered 
to Thee such unceasing praise and thanks as I 
ought. 

But by Thy grace I will begin to-day to make 
amends for my sinful neglect. I promise Thee, 
in this morning hour, that I will serve Thee 
with body and soul, and will yield myself 
wholly unto Thee. My lips shall not offend 
Thee to-day, nor burden me with a heavy re^ 
sponsibility by engaging in foolish and sinful 
conversation. My feet shall shun all sinful 
paths. Mine eyes shall not gaze upon what 



Morning Prayer on Thursday. 73 

Thou hast forbidden. My hands shall not en- 
gage in deeds of unrighteousness. My ears 
shall be turned away from false doctrine, and 
from evil communications which corrupt good 
manners. I will devote myself, O Triune God, 
wholly to Thy service. O, do Thou dwell in 
me, and sanctify, guide, and cleanse me more 
and more by Thy grace! 

Let me seek to-day the society of the godly. 
And if, in the course of my daily occupation, I 
shall be thrown into the company of wicked 
persons, preserye my heart and conscience from 
any share in their sinful words and deeds. 
Bless my labors, so that, in child-like depend- 
ence on Thy Proyidence, I may do my work 
cheerfully, and be assured that Thy blessing 
eyer rests upon me. And now I lift up mine 
eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my 
help; my help cometh from the Lord, which 
made heayen and earth. Do thou, O Lord, 
bless and prosper and preserye me here in time 
and throughout eternity. Amen. 



74 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 
THE CHRISTIAN WOULD FOLLOW JESUS. 

MEDITATION OX THURSDAY. 

Matt. 16 : 24. If any man will come after me, let 
him deny himself, and take up his cross, and fol- 
low me. 

LORD, "see if there be any wicked way in 
, me." This, according to Ps. 139 :24, should 
be the daily prayer of the true Christian. 
Since a careful traveler inquires diligently 
whether he is on the right road or not, surely a 
Christian should anxiously inquire concerning 
the way to heaven. Many deceivers are entered 
into the world, says St. John; consequently the 
Christian must be on his guard, lest he be de- 
ceived. 

Accordingly the true Christian (1) does not fol- 
low the children of the world who seek to in- 
duce him to join in their sinful merry-makings; 
for by so doing he would expose his soul to too 
great a peril. Still less does he follow the 
promptings of his own evil heart ; but, when a 
thought conies into his mind he always inquires, 
Is this right? Neither does he follow the entice- 
ments of Satan, but (2) the teachings of the Holy 
Scriptures, which show him what he should be- 
lieve, and what he should do or omit. The Scrip- 
tures are his rule of life. What they do not al- 



Prayer on Thursday. 75 

low, he earnestly shuns. He particularly (3) fol- 
lows the Lord Jesus, who has given us an exam- 
ple, that we should follow His steps. And the 
steps of Jesus in which we are to walk are His 
humility, patience, meekness, purity, kindness, 
and godliness — virtues which He manifested in 
His earthly life for our imitation. To imitate 
these is truly to follow Him. The true Christian 
also (4) follows the example of other good Chris- 
tians. When he sees that they are fervent in 
prayer, reverent toward God, charitable to the 
poor, and the like, he seeks to imitate their ac- 
tions. (5) This following is to be one that con- 
tinues till death. Then shall be fulfilled in such 
souls the words of St. John in Kevelation 14:4, 
" They follow the Lamb whithersoever He 
goeth." 

PRAYER ON THURSDAY. 

O my God and Lord! My sole desire is, so to 
live that after death I may enter into life eternal. 
I always rejoice when I read in Thy Word, that 
the elect in heaven follow the Lamb whither- 
soever He goeth. But I also know full well, that 
whoever would follow the Lamb in glory must 
follow Him here on earth. When I reflect upon 
this fact, I am deeply concerned for my salva- 
tion. Many offer themselves as guides. Satan 
invites and tempts me to follow him; and the 
world holds its example, ways, and society be- 



76 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

fore niy eyes. But I fear, if I should follow these 
now, I should also have to follow them after 
death to hell and destruction. 

Therefore, O Jesus, I will follow Thee. Then 
shall I he pursuing the best and safest and hap- 
piest way. I will follow Thee in faith, in love, in 
humility, in obedience, in godliness, and in pur- 
ity. Christ has left us an example, that we 
should follow His steps. His example shall eyer 
be before my eyes. Like Jesus, I will loye and 
honor my heavenly Father, and keep His holy 
will. Like Him, I will loye my fellow-men, and 
do good to them. Like Him, I will gladly for- 
giye my enemies. Like Him, I will be humble; 
for He says, " Learn of me ; for I am meek and 
lowly in heart." This is my holy purpose. Do 
Thou give me strength to perform it. 

Whenever I behold the behavior of the chil- 
dren of this world, help me to remember the end 
to which they are going. Thy way, O world, is 
not directed toward Christ and eternal life. Help 
me, O Lord, always to inquire of myself, Is this 
the way that leads to heaven? Help me to bear- 
in mind what I ought to be and who I am. I 
ought to be a child of God and a follower of 
Jesus; I ought to keep myself unspotted from 
the world. Help me to follow Jesus faithfully 
even unto death. Amen. 



Hymn on Thursday. 77 



HYMN. 

o, 5, 8, 8, 5, 5. 

Jesus, still lead on, 

Till our rest be won ! 
And although the way be cheerless, 
We will follow calm and fearless. 

Guide us by Thy hand 

To our Fatherland. 

If the way be drear, 

If the foe be near. 
Let not faithless fears o'ertake us. 
Let not faith and hope forsake us; 

For through many a foe 

To our home we go! 

When we seek relief 

From a long-felt grief; 
When temptations come alluring, 
Make us patient and enduring: 

Show us that bright shore 

Where we weep no more. 

Jesus still lead on. 

Till our rest be won; 
Heavenly Leader, still direct us, 
Still support, console, protect us, 

Till we safely stand 

In our Fatherland. 

— Xicholas Louis, Count Zinzendorf, 1721. 
Jane Borthwick, Tr. 1853. a. 



78 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 



I 



EVENING PBAYEB ON THUKSDAY. 

EEMEMBEE Thee upon my bed, and medi- 
tate on Thee in the night watches. O lov- 
ing and merciful God and Father! With 
thankful heart I come before Thee again in this 
evening hour, overwhelmed with benefits from 
Thy hand. O how merciful Thou hast been to 
me! Like as a father pitieth his children, so 
Thou hast pitied me, and permitted me to reach 
this evening unharmed. Thy long suffering has 
spared me, and Thou hast not punished me as I 
deserved. O pardon all the transgressions, secret 
or open, by which I have offended against Thee. 
I ought to be much stronger in fighting against 
sin, more zealous in good works, more fervent in 
prayer, more careful in speech, more holy in con- 
duct. But who can understand his errors? 
Cleanse me also from secret faults. O let me in 
future avoid all those things by which I have 
grieved Thee to-day. Are my sins great? Still 
greater is Thy mercy. If Thou wert not a mer- 
ciful God, who could live? 

I now retire to rest. Do Thou, O God, shut me 
in, as Thou didst Noah in the ark, that no flood 
of adversity may overwhelm me. Let Thy holy 
angels guard me, that no visible or invisible foes 
may disturb my rest. Help me to remember, 



Morning Prayer on Friday. 79 

that, as I lie down in bed, so I must one day lie 
in my grave, but that I shall rise again from the 
dead on the last day. Let me spend all my days 
in such a manner as to be sure of Thy grace, and 
to have a good conscience ; so that I may always 
be ready, no matter at what time Thou mayest 
come to call me home. 

As I lie in sleep and yet continue breathing, 
so do Thou, O Jesus, remain united with me 
even in my sleep. O Triune God ! Guarded and 
shielded by Thee, no evil, not death itself, can 
harm me. Thy love and guardian care, O Father, 
Thy wounds, O Jesus, Thy help, O precious Holy 
Spirit, are my wall of defence, within which I 
slumber in peace and safety, and before which 
Satan must flee. Spread Thy protection over all 
my dear ones and over all the poor and wretched. 
Let me gather new strength in sleep ; and, if it be 
Thy will, let me behold the light of day again on 
the morrow. Amen. 



MORNING PRAYER ON FRIDAY. 

Y heart is fixed, my heart is fixed : I will 
sing and give praise. O gracious and 
loving God, my Father, my Saviour, 
and my Sanctifier! In this morning hour I lift 
up my heart and hands to the throne of Thy Di- 



M 



80 Morning, 'Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

vine Majesty, from which so many many mercies 
have streamed upon me during all my life, as well 
as during the past night. Thou hast been my 
Strength, my High Tower, my Deliverer, my 
Fortress, my Help, my Comfort, my Shield, yea, 
my All in All. Of all Thy benefits, my God and 
Lord, I acknowledge that I am unworthy. In the 
midst of the darkness Thou didst think of me, 
and while the dark shadows encompassed me, 
Thy Fatherly care kept me from harm and dan- 
ger of body and soul. Therefore I praise Thee, 
and magnify Thy name. The Lord hath done 
great things for me, whereof I am glad. 

O gracious God, be with me this day, and lead 
me. Guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward 
receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven 
but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I 
desire beside Thee. Put into my heart the words 
I should speak, that I may not offend Thee 
with my lips. Teach me what I should do, that 
I may not be guilty of sinful deeds. Let the 
Holy Spirit admonish my heart whenever my 
thoughts would stray from Thee. Jesus, when 
flesh and blood tempt me to sin, let me call be- 
fore my mind Thy bleeding image, and remem- 
ber how on a Friday Thou didst sweat great drops 
of blood for me in Gethsemane, how Thou wast 
scourged in the judgment-hall, and how, all 
bleeding and gory, Thou wast nailed to the cross 



Morning Prayer on Friday. 81 

for me. Should ray heart to-day be inclined to 
yield to any sin, then bring Thy bleeding image 
before me, that through it all desire to sin may 
be quenched and destroyed. Let me die unto sin, 
and walk in newness of life. 

Eemember also my bodily needs, and bless me. 
Let me regard all earthly things as transitory 
possessions, and not set my heart upon them, 
but seek the things which are eternal. When I 
labor, strengthen me; when I pray, hear me; 
when I go out, accompany me; and when I re- 
turn home, depart not from me. Surround me 
and mine with Thy protection like the house of 
Job ; guard me like Jacob ; watch over me as over 
Elijah ; and let me, beneath Thy sheltering care, 
reach the evening in peace. Let no sorrowful 
tidings reach my ears, but let joy and happiness 
be mine. Amen, 



82 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS FOR THE HOLY 
SPIRIT. 

MEDITATION ON FRIDAY. 

Ps. 51: 10, 11. Create in me a clean heart, O God; 
and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away 
from Thy presence ; and take not Thy Holy Spirit 
from me. 



T 



O pray for the Holy Spirit is the best and 
most needful petition. The Holy Spirit 
is not one of those blessings which God 
bestows upon us without our prayer, like our 
daily bread, but is given only to those who pray 
for Him, as Christ says in Luke 11. 

Accordingly, it is to be remembered (1) that 
the Holy Spirit is a gift which is bestowed only 
on those who desire to be holy and pure, and 
to be ruled by him. (2) It is highly necessary 
that we should pray for him ; because in this life 
we need some one to lead us, teach us, and com- 
fort us ; and to do this is the office of the Holy 
Spirit, For He leads us into all truth, teaches 
us to know Christ, testifies of Him, and com- 
forts us in every time of trouble and affliction, 
and in the hour of death. (3) Old and young, 
great and small should pray for the Holy Spirit. 
Parents should pray for Him for themselves and 
their children. He is the earnest of our inheri- 
tance. Whoever does not have the Holy Spirit 






Prayer on Friday. 83 

in his heart here in this world, shall not share in 
eternal salvation in the world to come. (4) Con- 
sequently, those are the most miserable of men, 
who do not have the Holy Spirit. They cannot 
become godly nor liye holy liyes, but constantly 
fall into sin, because they lack Him as their 
Kuler and Guide. And who shall comfort them 
on their death-bed in their last hour? (5) But 
if God has giyen us His Holy Spirit, we should 
not grieve nor turn Him away from us by wilful- 
sin and an ungodly life, but should daily pray: 
" Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me." (6) Such 
souls are truly united with God, and are in a 
state of grace and salvation. 

PRAYER ON FRIDAY. 

O mighty God and holy Father! Behold, I, 
Thy helpless child, come to Thee, and pray for 
the needful gift of Thy Holy Spirit. Thou hast 
promised to bestow Him upon all who ask Thee. 
I beseech Thee, therefore, send Him down from 
above, from Thy holy habitation, into my heart, 
that He may be my Guide and Counselor, and 
may enable me to do always what is pleasing to 
Thee. 

O, there are so many ways of error and of sin ; 
and there are so many persons who travel upon 
them, and who seek, either by persuasion or ridi- 



84 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

cule, to make me follow their evil example! O 
God, lead me in Thy truth, and unite my heart to 
fear thy name. When the world and its sins ap- 
pear attractive to me, help me to bear in mind 
that the broad road leadeth unto destruction. 
Bestow upon me Thy Holy Spirit : the Spirit of 
Truth, to teach me; the Spirit of consolation, to 
comfort me; the Spirit of joy, to gladden me; 
the Spirit of regeneration, to make of me a new 
creature; the Spirit of adoption, to assure me 
that I am Thy child; the Spirit who is the 
earnest of my heavenly inheritance. 

O gracious Holy Spirit, sanctify me. Thou 
seest that my heart is full of impurity, evil, and 
sin, and that out of it proceed unholy thoughts 
and words and deeds. But thou also seest that 
by Thy grace I hate these things. O, I am sorry 
that I have ever grieved Thee, or despised Thy 
voice. I now yield myself entirely to Thy guid- 
ance and rule. Thou shalt be the life of my soul, 
the strength of my life, the consolation of my 
heart, the light of my understanding, the repose 
and strength of my will, the treasure of my 
memory, — the source and beginning as well as 
the end of my new spiritual life. O sanctify me 
wholly, that my spirit, soul, and body may be 
preserved blameless till the day of Jesus Christ. 
Make my heart Thy temple, and dwell therein. 
Make my members instruments of righteousness, 



Hymn on Friday. v 5 

and let me not deliberately and wilfully sin. 
Make my heart a living sacrifice, acceptable unto 
God. 

O Thou sacred Fire, burn within my heart, 
and consume all fleshly lusts and desires ; so that 
I may devote all the powers of my body also to 
Thy glory. Rule over me, and lead me always in 
the right way. till at last Thou shalt bring me 
to heaven. And if, in view of the sufferings of 
this present time, my own flesh and blood or 
the world should seek to deprive me of the con- 
solation that I am a child of God, do Thou as- 
sure me that neither death nor life shall sepa- 
rate me from the love of God, and that, while 
the children of God must bear the cross and en- 
dure affliction, they are none the less on that 
account His children. Dwell and rule in my 
heart always. Bear witness with my spirit that 
I am a child of God. And in the hour of death, 
when all human help and support fail, comfort 
me with the blessed assurance, that I shall share 
in the glory which Jesus has acquired for me by 
His sufferings and death. Amen. 

HYMN. - - - - 



Come, O come, Thou quickening Spirit, 

Thou for ever art divine : 
Let Thy power never fail me. 

Alwavs fill this heart of mine: 



86 Morning, Xoon, and Evening Devotions. 

Thus shall grace and truth and light 
Dissipate the gloom of night. 

Grant my mind and my affections 

Wisdom, counsel, purity; 
That I may be ever seeking 

Naught but that which pleases Thee. 
Let Thy knowledge spread and grow, 
Working error's overthrow. 

Lead me to green pastures, lead me 
By the true and living way. 

Shield me from each strong temptation 
That might draw my heart astray ; 

And if e'er my feet should turn. 

For each error let me mourn. 

Holy Spirit, strong and mighty, 
Thou who makest all things new, 

Make Thy work within me perfect, 
Help me by Thy Word so true, 

Arm me with that sword of Thine, 

And the victory shall be mine. 

In the faith, O, make me steadfast ; 

Let not Satan, death or shame 
Of my confidence deprive me; 

Lord, my refuge is Thy name. 
When the flesh inclines to ill. 
Let Thy Word prove stronger still. 

And when my last hour approaches, 
Let my hopes grow yet more bright, 

(Since I am an heir of heaven,) 
In Thy glorious courts of light, 



E veiling Prayer on Friday. 87 

Fairer far than voice can tell, 
There, redeemed by Christ, to dwell. 

— Henry Held, d. 1639. 

— Chas. Wm. Schaeffer, Tr. 1866. a. 



T 



EVENING PEAYEE ON FEIDAY. 

HE angel of the Lord encampeth round 
about them that fear Him, and delivereth 
them. O great and mighty God! Let 
Thy holy angels encamp round about me this 
night, and enclose me with their powerful pro- 
tection. As Thou didst command them to guard 
me during the day and keep me in all my ways, 
so do Thou also let them stand around my couch 
at night, like Solomon's mighty men. 

I lie down to rest, my Jesus. O, do Thou 
paint the door-posts of my heart with Thy 
precious blood, that no harm may befall me! 
If Thou art with me, I fear no evil. Thou hast 
been with me to-day whithersoever I have gone; 
Thou hast added Thy blessing to my labors; 
Thou hast prospered everything which I began 
in Thy name. O that my constant motto had been 
the words of Joseph, "How then can I do this 
great wickedness, and sin against God?" O, in 
mercy forgive me all the evil which I have done 
and spoken and thought to-day. With the pass- 



88 Morning, Xoon, and Evening Devotions. 

ing of the day, let hit sin and guilt be taken 
away, and remembered no more forever. If 
Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, 
who shall stand? How should man be just with 
God? If he will contend with Him, he cannot 
answer Him one of a thousand. 

But the debt which I cannot pay myself, I 
will pay with Jesus' blood. Jesus is mine, His 
blood is mine. His righteousness is mine, His 
heaven is mine. Therefore "receive me, my Ee- 
deeiner; my Shepherd, make me Thine! Of 
every good the Fountain, Thou art the Spring 
of mine." Let Thy goodness lead me to repent- 
ance; for Thou hast loved me with an ever- 
lasting love, and with loving kindness hast Thou 
drawn me. And since Thou hast been so kind 
and good to me, let Thy bleeding love warm 
my cold heart, that I may never more inten- 
tionally offend Thee. 

I retire to rest; and I know not, but that 
this night may be my last. I know, indeed, how 
I lie down to sleep, but I do not know how I 
shall arise. That rests with Thee, Thou Lord 
of my life. But this I know full well : that if I 
fall asleep in Thy name, O Father, in Thy 
wounds, O Jesus, in Thy fellowship, O Holy 
Spirit, I shall sleep a blessed sleep, even though 
I should not rise again to this earthly life. 
Amen. 



Morning Prayer on Saturday. 80 



MORXIXG PRAYER ON SATURDAY. 

LORD, make me to know mine end, and the 
measure of my days, what it is; that I 
may know how frail I am. These, O great 
and almighty God, are the thoughts that fill my 
soul, now that Thou hast permitted me, on this 
last day of the week, to arise from my bed in 
health. I laud Thee in this morning hour, because 
Thou hast so gloriously protected and defended 
me in body and soul, that no danger or suffering 
could disturb me. O my God! As little as the 
stars in the firmament, the sand on the sea-shore, 
or the drops in the ocean can be counted, so little 
can the blessings be enumerated which Thou 
hast bestowed on me during all my life, as well 
as during this past week. 

Thou hast been with me during the night, and 
hast warded off every calamity. Thou saidst : 
"My child, sleep thou in peace; for Satan shall 
not harm thee; sleep safe till morning dawns, 
let not his rage alarm thee." And now, shielded 
by Thee, I behold again the light of day. O let 
me this day deny all ungodliness and wicked 
works, and live righteously, soberly, and godly. 
As I put on my clothes, so let me also put on 
mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, 
and long-suffering ; and put off the old man 



90 Morning, ?soon, and Evening Devotions. 

with his works, unrighteousness, hypocrisy, ly- 
ing, anger, strife, contention, impurity, and 
malice. Consecrate my heart as Thy temple, that 
to-day I may say and do nothing that is dis- 
pleasing to Thee. 

My Jesus, who art the Alpha and the Omega, 
the beginning and the ending : I have, by Thy 
grace, reached the end of another week. Let me 
remember that sometime the last week and the 
last day of my life will come; and let me begin, 
continue, and end every week in such a way as 
will, in the last hours of my life, give me no 
cause to be ashamed or to wish that I had never 
been born. Let me spend this day in Thy fear. 
Guard me in all my ways ; bless my labors ; and 
regulate all my plans and purposes by Thy will. 
Blot out with Thy precious blood the account 
which I have heaped up against myself this week 
by my sins. And let me during the coming week 
be more circumspect, more godly, more upright, 
and more pleasing to Thee. I already rejoice at 
the thought of the Sunday which dawns on the 
morrow, when I shall rest from my daily labor, 
in order that Thou mayest do in me Thy work 
of edification, sanctification, and conversion. 
Amen. 



Meditation on Saturday. 9i 



THE CHRISTIAN THANKS GOD AT THE 
END OF THE WEEK. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 116: 12. What shall I render unto the Lord 
for all His benefits toward me ? 



T 



HE days and weeks of our life pass away 
one by one; and with each day and 
week we approach nearer to the grave. 
But meanwhile, as the days roll on, God in mercy 
loads us with benefits in body and soul, filling 
our hearts with food and gladness. The Chris- 
tian should call these benefits to mind at the 
end of the week. 

He should (1), thank God for. the blessings 
which he has received, for the divine protection 
which he has enjoyed throughout the week, and 
for the divine help which he has obtained in 
answer to his prayers. If he hears that others 
have suffered affliction and sorrow, or have 
fallen, or have met with harm, or have failed to 
be relieved of sorrow and grief, he should pity 
them, and at the same time he should thank 
God for the mercy which has spared him. He 
should bear (2) in mind that this goodness of 
God is meant to lead him to repentance. He 
should, therefore, on the last day of the week, 
repent of all the evil which he has done on each 



92 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

day, and should let it be his day of reconcilia- 
tion, of prayer, of repentance, and of thanksgiv- 
ing. He should also (3) pray for God's continued 
protection, goodness, and mercy during the com- 
ing week, and should commend himself to God's 
grace. He should (4) remember that one week 
after another will pass away, till the week of his 
death arrives. And he should prepare himself 
for that time by true faith in Christ and a life 
of daily repentance. 

Such sacred meditations should make the 
Christian devout, careful, thankful, and godly. 
They should cause him to trust in God as the 
source of every good gift; to commend himself 
to God's grace; to remain in the love of Jesus'; 
and thus to be enabled to live according to God's 
will, and, when the hour of his death approaches, 
to die in peace. 

PRAYER ON SATURDAY. 

The Lord hath done great things for me, where- 
of I am glad. Hitherto hath the Lord helped 
me. Thus do I speak, my God and Lord, now 
that I have reached the end of this week in 
safety. How excellent is Thy loving kindness, 
O God! therefore the children of men put their 
trust under the shadow of Thy wings. Thou 
shieldest, keepest, and preservest them; and Thy 



Prayer on Saturday. 93 

mercies are new unto them every morning. O 
my God, Thou hast spread Thy wings over me 
during the past week. Thou hast preserved me 
in health, and hast blessed and kept and guarded 
me. Thou hast been very merciful to me in 
body and soul, and hast permitted my dear ones 
also to enjoy Thy protection and grace. It is the 
Lord's doing! It is He who has brought me 
safely through this week. Therefore, bless the 
Lord, O my soul : and all that is within me, bless 
His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and 
forget not all His benefits. 

O how many have fallen during the past week, 
while I am still here, supported by Thy grace. 
How many have found it a week of sorrow and 
crosses, while I have been permitted to spend 
it in peace and quietness. How many have suf- 
fered misery and anguish, while I have remained 
unharmed under Thy protection. I therefore 
praise and exalt Thee from my inmost soul. I 
thank Thee for- Thy protection and mercy; I 
thank Thee for Thy love and strengthening 
grace; I thank Thee for all the benefits which 
Thou hast bestowed upon me in body and soul. 

O my God, mercifully forgive me all the evil 
which I have done this week. I am sorry for 
my sins, I repent, I am in distress on account 
of them ; and I beseech Thee to have mercy upon 
me, and to forgive all my transgressions. For 



94 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

the sake of the sufferings and death of Jesus 
Christ, pardon nie, and deal not with me as I 
have deserved. With the help of Thy Holy Spirit, 
I will strive to shun during the coming week my 
former sins, and to serve thee during all my life 
in holiness and righteousness. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Now thank we all our God, 

With heart and hands and voices, 
Who wondrous things hath done, 

In whom this earth rejoices; 
Who from our mother's arms 

Hath blessed us on our way 
With countless gifts of love, 

And still is ours to-day. 

O may this bounteous God 

Through all our life be near us, 
With ever joyful hearts 

And blessed peace to cheer us; 
And keep us in His grace, 

And guide us when perplexed, 
And free us from all ills, 

In this world and the next. 

All praise and thanks to God 
The Father now be given, 

The Son, and Him who reigns 
With them in highest heaven; 

The One eternal God, 

Whom heaven and earth adore; 



7. D. 



Evening Prayer on Saturday. 95 

For thus it was, is now, 
And shall be evermore. 

— Martin Rinkart, 1644. 

Miss Winkworth, Tr.1858.c1. 



EVENING PRAYER ON SATURDAY. 

WHEN I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be 
a light unto me. O loving and gra- 
cious God ! The day draws to a close, 
and with it the week; but Thy mercy endureth 
forever. The mountains shall depart, and the 
hills be removed ; but Thy kindness shall not de- 
part from Thy children. O God, Thy kindness 
has permitted me to live through another week. 
What I did not know at the beginning of the 
week, I know now: that I should be permitted 
to reach its end in safety. Manifold have been 
Thy mercies to me during the past week : Thou 
hast heard my prayers, preserved me, counseled 
me, and guarded me. Not a day passed by in 
which I did not receive tokens of Thy love and 
grace; not an hour elapsed in which Thou didst 
not pour out streams of mercy upon me. What 
I wished at the beginning of the week has now 
come to pass. O what grace and love and mercy 
are Thine! 

But to-day, at the end of this week, I also 
think of my sins. Many have been my trans- 



96 Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotions. 

gressions in thought and wish and desire, by 
commission and omission. I have not cared for 
my soul as faithfully as I should, nor devoted to 
Thee as many hours as I ought. O Lord, Lord, 
forgive me all my sins. O Lord Jesus, blot out 
with Thy precious blood this Aveek's entire ac- 
count of sin, and let it remain forgiven and 
forgotten forever. O Lord, rebuke me not in 
Thine anger, neither chasten me in Thy hot 
displeasure. Be Thou a pillar of fire around 
me to-night. Let no harm or misfortune or 
peril touch me or mine. Help me to cast all 
my care upon Thee, and, with the assurance that 
Thou carest for me, let me sleep in peace. 

I have now become a week older, and have 
advanced one step nearer to eternity. The end 
of this week reminds me of the end of my life. 
The last Aveek, the last day, and the last hour 
of my life Avill come, and then the long eternity! 
O help me so to spend each future Aveek and day 
and hour, that I need not tremble before Thy 
face. Help me daily to set my heart on those 
things which I desire to possess eternally. I am 
but a stranger and a sojourner here on earth; 
my home and my eternal mansions are in heaven, 
where Thou Avilt Avipe aAvay all tears from the 
eyes of Thy children, bestoAV upon them the good 
things of Thy house, and fill them with eternal 

joy- 



Evening Prayer on Saturday. 97 

I now lay aside niy earthly business and 
occupation, and prepare myself for the approach- 
ing Sunday, which I purpose to spend in prayer, 
singing, and meditation upon Thy holy Word. 
Grant me the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, and let 
not my deyotions be disturbed either by my 
fellow-men or by my own heart. Amen. 



BOOK I. 



PART II. 

For the Festivals of the Church. 



THE CHRISTIAN CONTEMPLATES THE 
ADVENT OF JESUS IN THE FLESH. 

MORNING PRAYER. 

ENEAPTUEED by the thought of Thy 
blessed coming in the flesh, I leave my 
couch, and lift up my hands to Thee, 
Thou only begotten Son of God, from whom 
cometh all my h,elp. Thou comest not only to 
rescue and save the world, but comest for my 
benefit, in order that I too may live and find 
my sufficiency in Thee. Why then should I not 
rejoice? Why should I not be glad? 

O Jesus, since Thou appearest on earth in the 
form of sinful flesh for my sake, enter into my 
heart and sanctify it wholly. Prepare it for Thy- 
self, and make it Thy habitation. Strengthen my 
faith, and fill me with Thy love, that I may pre- 
fer Thee to the lusts and pleasures of the world. 
And should the world and its sins — pride, arro- 

(98) 




CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 



Morning Prayer for Advent. 99 

gance, anger, boastfulness, or other fleshly 
works — come to me, and say, "In this heart 
we will dwell, here we will reign, here we will 
establish ourselves"; then let me by Thy grace 
resist them, and say, "Depart from me, ye sins; 
go back thou world: this is the temple of the 
Lord. Aw^ay! Away! I have no room for you; 
ye cannot dwell here. My Jesus is w T ith me; I 
have yielded myself entirely to Him: He shall 
rule over me; His I will remain in time and 
eternity." O how happy I shall be, if Thou 
w T ilt abide with me, and enable me to overcome 
the world and every enemy of my soul! 

O my Saviour, Thou didst come into the 
world to save sinners: have mercy, therefore, 
on me also, and enter into my heart. Thou 
didst, indeed, long ago, even before I was born, 
choose my soul for Thy habitation; and Thou 
didst prepare it for this purpose in Holy Bap- 
tism, cleansing me with Thy precious blood 
from the guilt of my sinful state. But, alas, I 
have wandered from Thee; I have defiled my- 
self by wilful sin; I have driven Thee from me 
by my evil ways. Now, however, I come to 
Thee again; I open to Thee the door of my 
heart; I long earnestly for Thee. As the hart 
panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my 
soul after Thee. O my God and Saviour, have 



100 For the Festivals of the Church. 

mercy upon me, and abide with me. I vow to 
Thee eternal fidelity. Unite me with Thee so 
firmly, that nothing shall henceforth separate 
me from Thee. Let Thy Holy Spirit permeate 
my spirit, and lead me in all my ways. Let 
me ever follow and cling to Thee, and through 
Thee obtain eternal salvation. Amen. 

MEDITATION FOR ADVENT. 

Zech. 9: 9. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; 
shout, O daughter of Jerusalem : behold, thy King 
cometh unto Thee: He is just, and having salvation: 
lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the 
foal of an ass. 

If there is a time which godly souls love to 
spend in devotion, it is certainly the time of 
the holy festivals, on which the Church cele- 
brates the mercies of God. While it is true, 
that the majority of so-called Christians spend 
the holy festivals of the Church in amusement 
and pleasure, in pride and vanity, in idleness 
and foolish talking, and consequently take the 
love and grace of the Highest very little to 
heart, and fail to be built up in their religion; 
the believing child of God is of a different 
spirit. (1) He rejoices at the prospect of the 
approaching festivals, because they help him to 
bring to mind all God's goodness to him. (2) 
In the holy season of Advent, he meditates up- 
on the love of his heavenly Father, who spared 



Prayer for Advent. 101 

not His only Son, but sent Him into the world 
to suffer and die, and thus to acquire salvation 
for men. (3) He meditates upon the fervent 
love of Jesus, who clothed Himself with our 
flesh and blood in order to redeem us and bring 
us to heaven. (4) He praises the grace of the 
Holy Spirit, who brings these mercies of God 
before the son Is of the believers as vividly as 
if they had taken place before their very eyes. 
(5) Thus he employs the holy festival season as 
a time of devotion and prayer, which he begins 
and ends in hearing and meditating upon God's 
holy Word, in singing festival hymns, and in 
quiet, godly living. 

PRAYER FOR ADVENT. 

O merciful Jesus, who didst come to seek and 
to save the lost! I thank Thee that Thy grace 
has permitted me once more to celebrate this 
holy season. And I beseech Thee to strengthen 
me by Thy Holy Spirit, that I may spend it in 
Thy fear and in holy meditation, to the edify- 
ing of my soul. 

Thou everlasting Son of God, who wast be- 
fore the foundations of the earth were laid! 
Thou didst take upon Thee human flesh and be- 
come true man, in order that Thou mightest 
bring us joy and salvation. On account of the 
fall into sin, we were unable to come to Thee 



102 For the Festivals of the Church. 

in heaven; therefore Thou earnest to us on 
earth, that Thou mightest lead us all into life 
eternal. Through sin we had become strang- 
ers and captives, yea, the enemies of God; but 
through Thy holy coming the damage wrought 
by sin is to be repaired. O boundless grace! 
O unspeakable mercy! For Thy sake, O Jesus, 
the strangers are to be made friends, the cap- 
tives to be released, the enemies of God to be- 
come His beloved. Sinners are to be made 
children of God, and the fallen are to be lifted 
up! O blessed Advent, through which we who 
were condemned to death shall have life, and 
we who had fallen from Thy favor shall be 
clothed with glory and honor! For this is a 
faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, 
that Jesus Christ came into the world to save 
sinners. 

Dearest Jesus! Save me, and lead me into 
Thy kingdom. Give me, in this holy season, 
an obedient spirit. Let me gladly and devoutly 
listen to Thy holy Word, and receive and keep 
it in my heart. Let me, in these holy days, 
grow in faith, in knowledge, and in love, and 
show forth in my life the fruits of faith, — 
chastity, humility, meekness, obedience, godli- 
ness. Let Thy Advent be for me a blessed and 
salutary Advent. Let it not be said of me, He 



Prayer for Advent. 103 

came unto His own, and His own received Him 
not. 

O Lord Jesus! I receive Thee in faith; I love 
Thee; I honor Thee; I follow Thee. Enter in, 
Thou Blessed of the Lord! Why standest Thou 
without? By Thy grace I have prepared my 
heart for thee. Enter into it: I will grasp 
Thee by faith as my only Redeemer and Sav- 
iour, and appropriate Thy merit and righteous- 
ness as my own. Come into my heart: for love 
of Thee I will gladly avoid all worldly vanities, 
pleasures, and sins, in order that Thou alone 
mayest live and reign within me. O dwell in 
my soul, sanctify me, keep me in Thy grace. I 
repent of my sins, and seek mercy in Thee. 
Therefore my sins shall no more condemn me. 
If the Son shall make me free, I shall be free 
indeed. If God be for me, who can be against 
me? 

O Jesus, Thou earnest as a King: reign hence- 
forth within my heart, that sin may no more 
have dominion over me. Thou earnest as the 
Righteous One: make me righteous, and bestow 
upon me the robe of Thy righteousness. I will 
greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be 
joyful in my God: for He hath clothed me with 
the garments of salvation, He hath covered me 
with the robe of righteousness. Thou earnest 



104 For the Festivals of the Church. 

poor, that Thou uiightest make me spiritually 
rich, — rich in faith, and rich in heavenly treas- 
ures. Thou earnest humble: O make me hum- 
ble; let me learn humility and meekness from 
Thee, and exercise these virtues on every oc- 
casion. O Thou King of Glory, enter through 
the doors of my heart! Behold, by Thy grace, 
I open them wide for Thee. Eule me hence- 
forth by Thy Holy Spirit, that I may remain 
Thy abode and temple even to my happy end. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 



Hail to the Lord's Anointed, 

Great David's greater Son! 
Hail, in the time appointed, 

His reign on earth begun! 
He comes to break oppression, 

To set the captive free; 
To take away transgression, 

And rule in equity. 

He comes with succor speedy 

To those who suffer wrong; 
To help the poor and needy, 

And bid the weak be strong; 
To give them songs for sighing, 

Their darkness turn to light, 
Whose souls, condemned and dying 

Were precious in His sight. 

He shall come down like showers 
Upon the fruitful earth ; 



7, 6. D. 



&5 



Evening Prayer for Advent. 105 

And love, joy, hope, like flowers, 

Spring in His path to birth. 
Before Him on the mountains 

Shall peace, the herald, go; 
And righteousness, in fountains, 

From hill to valley Aoav. 

To Him shall prayer unceasing 

And daily vows ascend; 
His kingdom still increasing, 

A kingdom without end. 
The tide of time shall never 

His covenant remove; 
His name shall stand forever; 

That name to us is Love. 

— James Montgomery, 1821. 
EVENING PRAYER EOR ADVENT. 

Lord, how boundless is Thy love to men! 
My soul is filled with wonder and rapture at 
its contemplation. Thou hast not only bestowed 
innumerable temporal benefits upon me and all 
mankind, but hast delivered up Thine only-be- 
gotten Son for all the lost children of Adam, 
and consequently for me also. What an unex- 
ampled proof of Thy love Thou hast given ! For 
my sake, Thou hast sent Thine only Son to be- 
come man; that, being found in fashion as a 
man, He might suffer torture, scourging, stripes, 
and even death itself, and thus, by rendering 
satisfaction to Thy offended justice, might re- 
deem, justify, and save me! 



106 For the Festivals of the Church. 

If an earthly personage of exalted rank should 
give his choicest ring, his most valuable jewels, 
his most precious treasure, in order to rescue 
some wretched man from misery, his action 
would be lauded as a remarkable manifestation 
of love for a fellow-man. If a king should deliver 
one of his sons into captivity in order thereby 
to release one of lesser rank from chains and 
fetters, the love of the monarch for his subject 
could not be sufficiently extolled. And yet all 
this would be as nothing, compared with the 
love which Thou hast displayed toward the 
children of men in sending Thy beloved Son in 
the fulness of time, to take upon Himself flesh 
and blood, and to appear as man in the w T orld. 

A man who has been freed from misery may 
be able afterwards to do many favors for his 
benefactor, and in this way, to some extent at 
least, recompense him for his kindness. A 
subject who, through the goodness of his king, 
has been delivered from galling fetters, may 
afterwards be useful to his monarch, and thus 
in some measure assuage the king's grief for 
the loss of his son. But I and my brethren ac- 
cording to the flesh can never recompense Thee 
for what Thou hast done for us. We possess 
nothing which we can give Thee.. We are un- 
able to repay Thee in any way for our rescue 
through Christ from the destruction in which 



Evening Prayer for Advent. 107 

we languished by nature, and from the bondage 
of death in which we were held. Thy loye is 
beyond measure; it transcends all human com- 
prehension. Nothing remains for us but hum- 
ble gratitude; nothing but the heartfelt thanks 
and praise which we bring as the tribute of 
our hearts, touched by Thy grace. 

Therefore, blessed be Thy name for the bound- 
less loye which Thou hast revealed toward me 
in sending Thine only Son into the world. O 
let Thy loye inspire me to loye Thee in return 
with all my heart, and with all my soul, and 
with all my strength. Giye me grace to liye in 
obedience to Thy will, and to cling to Thee. 
Turn my heart away from the world, from van- 
ity and sin ; and kindle in me the flame of diyine 
loye, that I may always enjoy Thy fayor, and be 
able to stand in Thy sight. Let me grow in Thy 
loye and knowledge, remain steadfast in the 
faith, and so serve Thee in the Spirit, that I 
may taste in my heart the sweetness of Thy 
grace, and always thirst after Thee. Amen. 



108 For the Festivals of the Church. 



THE CHRISTIAN MEDITATES AT CHRIST- 
MAS UPON THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. 

MORNING PRAYER. 

IN Thee, my God and Saviour, my heart re- 
joices, as I now awake from sleep, and think 
of Thy holy conception and birth. Without 
controversy great is the mystery of godliness: 
God was manifest in the flesh. My weak and fin- 
ite mind cannot, indeed, comprehend or explain 
the Incarnation; but my soul is enraptured by 
its contemplation. And although my reason 
must bow in awe before the impenetrable veil 
which shrouds this mystery — a veil which 
shall be removed only in eternity, — Thy Word, 
w^hich is the truth and cannot lie, not only 
assures me that the incarnation actually took 
place, but even indicates not unclearly the man- 
ner in which it occurred. It describes Thy con- 
ception and birth beautifully in the words of 
the angel to Mary: "The Holy Ghost shall 
come upon thee, and the power of the Highest 
shall overshadow thee." 

In this description I find ample cause for joy; 
and when I contemplate it, I am filled with de- 
light. For I picture to myself how the Holy 
Spirit, as the all-wise and all-powerful Archi- 
tect, came to Mary; cleansed from all sin the 



Morning Prayer for Christmas. 109 

building which Thy divinity was to occupy; 
and filled it with His most holy gifts. I lec- 
ture to myself how Thou, the power of the 
Highest, whose name is called Wonderful, 
Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting 
Father, the Prince of Peace, didst occupy this 
holy building, unite it with Thy divinity, and 
impart to the human nature which Thou didst 
assume all Thy divine attributes and preroga- 
tives. I picture to myself how Thou, by be- 
coming a child and partaking of our flesh and 
blood, hast sanctified our human nature, and 
made us acceptable to Thy heavenly Father. 
What streams of blessedness must not descend 
upon me, if, when I awake, I ponder over these 
things in holy contemplation! 

O my Jesus, who by Thy incarnation hast be- 
come my Brother! how rich, how blessed Thou 
dost make me! In Thee I now possess all 
things. With Thee I can secure all things. 
With Thee I can undertake and do all things. 
I will not now despair, no matter what tribu- 
lations may come upon me; but will turn to 
Thee, and confidently say: Jesus, my Brother, 
help me. No distress or sorrow shall cause 
me to lose courage. I will cling firmly to Thee, 
because Thou art my Brother, and because, as 
such, Thou lovest me, and wilt certainly have 
mercy upon me. 



HO For the Festivals of the Church. 

In Thy incarnation, O Jesus, Thou didst take 
upon Thee my nature, and thereby unite Thy- 
self with me. Make me also partaker of Thy 
divine nature, that I may lead a godly life, and 
may surrender myself entirely to the power and 
guidance of Thy Holy Spirit. Let the high re- 
lationship in which I stand to Thee keep me 
from sin and from fellowship with the world, 
that I may do nothing which will offend Thee. 
Let me value Thy friendship higher than any- 
thing that is upon the earth. Let me serve 
Thee in holiness and righteousness all the days 
of my life. And since to love Thee is better 
than all else, let me love Thee ever, and thus re- 
main in Thy fellowship in life and in death, in 
time and in eternity. O my Brother, my Elect! 
What joy shall not be mine when, in everlast- 
ing blessedness, I behold Thee, whom even here 
on earth I have loved, clothed in Thy glory and 
majesty, and am united with Thee forever! 
I rejoice in spirit at the prospect; my heart is 
filled with joy. And why should I not rejoice, 
when, in hope, I am already saved and in heav- 
en with Jesus my Brother? Amen. 



Meditation for Christmas. Ill 

MEDITATION FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Gal. 4: 4, 5. But when the fullness of time was 
come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, 
made under the law, to redeem them that were under 
the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 

If the birth of a prince of the royal house 
brings joy to a whole kingdom, the birth of 
Jesus Christ is a far greater reason still why 
all men should rejoice. The angels of heaven 
rejoice, and announce glad tidings to men. Why 
then should not the children of men be glad? 
They should rejoice (1) over the love of God, 
which spared not His only Son, but delivered 
Him up for us all. They should (2) rejoice over 
the loving-kindness of Jesus, who, though He 
is God and the Son of God, did not refuse to 
take upon himself our human nature in the Vir- 
gin Mary, and to become a little Child. 

Believers (3) marvel in secret at the wonder- 
ful plan of God for our salvation, — a plan which 
neither man nor angel would ever have devised, 
— that the Son of God should suffer in men's 
place, and reconcile them to God. They marvel 
(4) at the unmerited grace which God offers to 
men, who are by nature His enemies (Rom. 5 :10), 
and who did not ask for His grace, however 
much they needed it. Therefore, (5) when the 
counsel of God with respect to our salvation has 
been made known to them, believers thank Him 



112 For the Festivals of the Church. 

all the more fervently, accept His plan of grace, 
and follow Jesus in faith and holiness. For 
this reason, also, the holy Christmas days are 
for the believers days of prayer, rejoicing, and 
thanksgiving. 

PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS. 

This is the day which the Lord hath made ; we 
will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I 
beseech Thee, O Lord : O Lord, I beseech Thee, 
send now prosperity. Blessed is He that cometh 
in the name of the Lord. Arise, my soul! em- 
ploy this festival for the glory of God and thine 
own edification, and say : O Holy Trinity, 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, would that every 
drop of my blood were a tongue to praise Thy 
love and grace and mercy ! 

God is love! This my heart and mind ac- 
knowledge on this holy festival. Thy love has 
found a way, of which no angel nor man would 
ever have thought, to bring men to salvation. 
The second Person of the Godhead became man 
in order to sanctify and cleanse human nature! 
O Blessed Jesus ! Everlasting praise and thanks 
be unto Thee for Thy Incarnation and Nativity. 
Thou becamest a Child of man, that we might 
become children of God. Our human nature is 
now truly exalted ; for Thou hast united it with 
Thy divinity, and hast introduced it into the 



Prayer for Christmas. 113 

counsels of the Holy Trinity. O Love! O Grace! 
As certainly as the human nature is united with 
the divine in Thee, so certainly is there estab- 
lished between God and men an eternal friend- 
ship, an eternal reconciliation, an eternal peace, 
an eternal love. When God beholds us in His 
Son, He cannot behold us otherwise than with 
favor ; for He who spared not His only begotten 
Son, how shall He not with Him freely give us 
all things, — the forgiveness of sins, righteous- 
ness, peace, life and salvation? 

O the depth of the love of Jesus, who was will- 
ing to be born as a tender Infant, that He might 
sanctify our sinful birth! who increased in wis- 
dom and stature, that He might sanctify our 
youth! "All hail, Thou noble Guest, this morn, 
whose love did not the sinner scorn! In my 
distress Thou comest to me. What thanks 
shall I return to Thee?" O tenderest Friend of 
souls! my Brother! In Thee I have a Helper 
in sorrow, a Deliverer in trouble, a Saviour when 
my sins terrify me, a Stay in need, a Support in 
death. Thou art the light that lightens me, the 
Way that leads me to the Father, the Truth that 
teaches me, the Life that gives me life. Thou 
art my Righteousness, who justifiest and savest 
me; my Highpriest, who intercedest for me, and 
blessest me; the Lamb of the Sacrifice for my 
sins, the full ransom for my transgressions. 

8 



114 For the Festival* of the Church. 

O blessed Holy Spirit ! How great is Thy love 
in permitting this comfort, this joy, this salva- 
tion to be again proclaimed to me! I rejoice 
from the heart on this holy festival, and say: 
My Jesns is mine; His heaven is mine. The 
Child that is born is for me, for me; the Son 
that is given is for me, for me. He has acquired 
and bestows upon me the grace of God, divine 
sonship, and an eternal inheritance! O Jesus, 
whom I in spirit behold and gaze upon in 
the manger, how lovely, how kind art Thou! 

grant me grace, that I may never forget Thee, 
but keep Thee ever in my heart, on my lips, and 
before my eyes. O my Salvation! sanctify me; 

1 yield myself to Thee with all that I have and 
am. O my Bridegroom, embrace me. For Thee 
I will live, Thee I will serve, and out of love for 
Thee I will renounce the world and its pleasures. 
Let my heart be Thy manger-bed. Dwell in 
it in time and eternity. Fold and keep me in 
Thy love, that I may find rest, peace, comfort, 
safety, and salvation in Thee. I am now no 
longer lost; for Jesus has become man. Be- 
lieving on Him I shall not perish, but have ever- 
lasting life. God is my Friend, because I am in 
Christ by faith, and Jesus lives in me. I fear 
not death; for in death I have life. I fear not 
the accusations of conscience on account of my 
sins ; for Jesus intercedes for me. Amen. 



Hymn for Christmas. 115 



HYMN. 

L. M. 

Good news from heaven the angels bring, 

Glad tidings to the earth they sing : 

To us this day a Child is given, 

To crown us with the joy of heaven. 



This is the Christ, our God and Lord^ 
Who in all need shall aid afford; 
He will Himself our Saviour be, 
From all our sins to set us free. 

To us that blessedness He brings 
Which from His Father's bounty springs 
That in the heavenly realms we may 
With Him enjoy eternal day. 

All hail, Thou noble Guest, this morn, 
Whose love did not the sinner scorn : 
In my distress Thou comest to me; 
What thanks shall I return to Thee? 

Were earth a thousand times as fair, 
Beset with gold and jewels rare, 
She yet were far to poor to be 
A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee. 

Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child, 
Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled, 
Within my heart, that it may be 
A quiet chamber kept for Thee. 



116 For the Festivals of the Church. 

Praise God upon His heavenly throne, 
Who gave to us His only Son : 
For this His hosts, on joyful wing, 
A blest New Year of mercy sing. 

Martin Luther, 1535. 

From Arthur T. Russell, Tr. 184S. 

And Miss Winkworth, Tr.1855. 



EVENING PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS. 

My Jesus, my Immanuel, my King, my Ee- 
lation, my Friend! In spirit I still lie pros- 
trate before Thy manger, and ponder Thy In- 
carnation. And how can I better close this 
day which the Lord has made, or better prepare 
myself for a sweet and refreshing sleep, than by 
such meditations? I acknowledge Thee, O incar- 
nate Saviour, as the true Messiah, as the Ee- 
deemer of the world sprung from David's line, 
in whom all things that the prophets have spoken 
are fulfilled. Thou wast born at the time, at 
the place, of the family, and of the mother, 
which Thy heavenly Father in the days of 
the Old Testament covenant had appointed, 
indicated, and made known. Why then should 
I not acknowledge Thee as the true Saviour, and 
heartily rejoice over Thy manifestation in the 
flesh? What the company of the Patriarchs 
wished and longed for and foretold, has been 
gloriously fulfilled. 



Evening Prayer for Christmas. 117 

When I think of these things, and reflect upon 
the boundless blessings which through them have 
become mine, my heart leaps for joy. Thou art 
the high and exalted God, who wast before the 
mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth 
and the sea were formed, and who shalt remain 
when all these shall have fallen into ruin. Thou 
art the eternal Jehovah, the Alpha and the 
Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, who art, 
and who wast, and who art to come, the Almighty. 
And yet Thou dost not despise the human race, 
but for its sake dost become the humblest and 
most despised. O the depth of such love and 
grace! How blessed is my lot, to behold such 
a Redeemer lying in a manger! Let me not go 
away without an awakening of my soul, but let 
all that I have learned from the contemplation 
of Thy birth help to sanctify me and strengthen 
my faith. Thou wast born in the night : grant 
that I may flee the darkness of sin, and ever walk 
in Thy light as in the day. Thou earnest to earth 
when stillness and repose reigned over all : may 
I obtain true repose of heart in Thee. Let 
me avoid the turmoil of the world, that Thou 
mayest find an abode in me. O my Immanuel, 
seeking Thee in spirit, I find Thee in an inn: 
grant me grace to regard the world as an inn, 
where I shall tarry for a brief period only. Let 
me in good time direct my thoughts to that home 



118 For the Festivals of the Church. 

where I desire to dwell forever, and labor to 
enter into Thy rest. Thou wast born in a stable, 
an inconvenient place : grant that I may cheer- 
fully endure all hardships, and be content with 
my lot in this world, just as Thy goodness may 
see fit to order it. Thou didst lie in a manger, 
wrapped in swaddling clothes: wrap Thyself 
in my heart, and let it be Thine abode. 

How blessed I shall be, if Thou wilt in mercy 
fulfil all these my desires! I doubt not that 
Thou nearest me. I believe confidently that Thou 
wilt satisfy my longings. Calmly and peace- 
fully, therefore, I now retire to rest and sleep 
within Thy sheltering arms, and say: O tender 
Infant, enter in, And dwell with me for aye; 
Strengthen within me faith and love; Lord, 
hear me, as I pray. Amen. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS AND GIVES 

THANKS AT THE CLOSE OF THE 

YEAR. 

MORNING PRAYER. 

OLORD, my God, the Father of all mercies! 
As I now open my eyes, I behold the light 
of day for the last time in a year in which 
I have most clearly experienced, that Thou art 
gracious and full of compassion, longsuffering, 



Morning Prayer at the Close of the Year. 119 

and plenteous in goodness and truth. Not a day. 
yea, not an hour of the vanishing year has passed 
away, in which Thou has not manifested one or 
all of these attributes toward rue. 

Thou hast been gracious to me. For without 
any merit or worthiness on my part. Thou hast 
showered Thy benefits upon me. Thou hast sup- 
plied me with food and drink, nourished me. and 
granted me every needful gift. Whenever I have 
called upon Thee. Thou hast forgiven me all my 
sins and transgressions for Jesus' sake. Thou 
hast graciously taken away all the punishment 
which I deserved by my wickedness, trespasses. 
and sins, and hast not rewarded me according to 
my iniquities, but hast, instead, poured out sal- 
vation and blessing upon me. 

Thou hast also been full of compassion, as 
well as gracious, toward me. No need or distress 
or trouble came upon me. but Thy Father-heart 
melted in pity and compassion. When the need 
w^as greatest, Thy help was nearest. Scarcely 
had sorrow visited me, when Thou begannest to 
turn my sorrow into joy. Scarcely did I cry unto 
Thee, when Thou heardest me. Yea. often be- 
fore I cried. Thou didst send relief. 

And O. merciful God. with what longsuffering 
and patience Thou hast borne with me this year! 
When I fell through weakness, Thou didst for- 
bear. When T erred in my haste. Thou forgavest 



120 For the Festivals of the Church. 

ray debt of sin. When I strayed from Thee bnt 
returned in true repentance, Thou didst receive 
me again. What a wealth of patience and long- 
suffering Thou hast revealed toward me! 

Even so hast Thou shown by Thy dealings with 
me that Thou art plenteous in goodness. Thou 
hast spared my life and preserved me in health, 
so that I, more than many others, have reason 
to praise and magnify Thy love, and to say, Thou 
hast done all things well. 

And behind all Thy dealings with me is Thy 
truth. Thou fulfillest all the promises which 
Thou hast made, and all Thy works are done in 
truth. In Thy faithfulness Thou hast showered 
so many mercies upon me, that I cannot enumer- 
ate them all. What shall I render to Thee, O 
Lord, for all Thy benefits to me? I cannot re- 
pay Thee. Therefore mercifully accept my im- 
perfect stammerings as a thank-offering. Thanks 
be to Thee for all Thy truth, for all Thy good- 
ness, for all Thy longsuffering, for all Thy com- 
passion, for all Thy grace. Deal with me in 
the future as Thou hast dealt with me in the 
past. Let me spend this day in Thy fear, that 
to-day, as well as through all eternity, I may 
praise and magnify Thy name. Amen. 



Meditation at the Close of the Year. 121 

MEDITATION AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR. 

Ps. 103: 1, 2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all 
that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the 
Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. 

If devout and thankful souls rejoice when 
God has permitted them to pass a week in safety, 
why should they not much more rejoice when 
under God's protection they have lived through 
a whole year? How much suffering may come 
upon us in a single day! How much more 
in a whole year! Consequently, when a de- 
vout Christian beholds the end of the year, he 
lifts his hands and heart and voice to heaven, 
and closes the year with praise, thanksgiving, 
and prayer. 

Nor is he satisfied simply to give expression to 
such customary phrases as, " God be praised 
and thanked : the year is passed." On the con- 
trary, (1) he gives thanks that during the past 
year God has caused His Holy Word to be 
preached for the edification of his soul ; and that 
through the Holy Supper God has given him 
strength to lead a godly life, and to bring forth 
the fruits of faith. (2) He asks himself, whether 
during the year that is past he has become a bet- 
ter man ; whether he has grown stronger in spirit 
at the same time that he has grown a year older. 
(3) He prays God heartily and fervently for the 
forgiveness of the sins which he has wittingly or 



122 For the Festivals of the Chureh. 

unwittingly committed. (4) He thanks God for 
the many bodily benefits which he has receiyed : 
that God has sustained, provided for, defended, 
delivered, preserved, blessed, guarded, and guided 
him. (5) If God have sent him sickness, sorrow, 
and trouble, and freed him again from them, he 
should give special thanks for this. Indeed, he 
should, at the end of the year, recall as much 
as possible all the blessings which came to him 
and his during each week or each month, in or- 
der that the last days of the year may be for 
him days of praise, prayer, thanksgiving, and re- 
pentance. (6) He should pray for God's grace 
upon him during the new year. 

PRAYER AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR. 

What shall I render unto the Lord for ail His 
benefits to me? The Lord hath done great things 
for me, whereof I am glad. O Triune God, Father, 
Son, and Holy Ghost! My soul rejoices in Thy 
grace, which has permitted me to live through 
another year under Thy protection. How excel- 
lent is Thy loving kindness, O God : therefore 
the children of men put their trust under the 
shadow of Thy wings. They shall be abundantly 
satisfied with the fatness of Thy house ; and Thou 
shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleas- 
ures. For with Thee is the fountain of life : in 
Thy light shall we see light. 



Prayer at the Close of the Year. 123 

My God, the days in a year are many, but Thy 
benefits are more. The hours and minutes of the 
year can be counted; but the mercies which 
Thou hast bestowed upon me are innumerable. 
I thank Thee, that during this year Thou hast 
caused Thy Word to be preached to me in its 
truth and purity, and through it hast shown to 
me the way of life and salvation. O seal in my 
heart all that I have heard; and grant me Thy 
Holy Spirit, that I may regulate my life accord- 
ing to Thy Word. I thank Thee, that Thou hast 
frequently given me Thy body to eat and Thy 
blood to drink in the Holy Supper: grant that 
it may strengthen my faith and sanctify my life. 
I thank Thee, that Thou hast frequently forgiven 
my sins and turned away from me the punish- 
ment which I deserved. O grant me strength 
sedulously to avoid those sins in the new year, 
and never again wilfully to commit them. I 
thank Thee, that Thou hast blessed my occupa- 
tion in life, provided me with food and raiment, 
granted me health, turned away harm, lightened 
my cross, and pitied me in distress. Thou hast 
guarded me as the apple of Thine eye, and de- 
fended me against the foes which sought my 
soul's destruction. Thou hast heard me in the 
hour of need, and hast let my prayer come be- 
fore Thy throne. In my distress Thou hast sent 
me help from the sanctuary and strengthened 



124 For the Festivals of the Church. 

me out of Zion. Thou liast poured out Thy 
blessing upon me. Thou hast not hid Thy face 
from me when I cried unto Thee. Thou,. O lov- 
ing Father, hast led me, Thy child, by the hand. 
Thou, O mighty King, hast shielded me, Thy 
subject, against my foes. Thou, O faithful Shep- 
herd, hast made me, Thy sheep, to lie down in 
green pastures. Thou hast preserved my soul 
alive, while others perished. Thy goodness and 
faithfulness have been with me from the begin- 
ning to the end of the year. Thy wisdom has 
led me ; Thy love has guarded me ; Thy help has 
gladdened me ; Thy grace has preserved me ; Thy 
omnipotence has ever upheld me; Thy tender 
Father-hand has given me all things that I need- 
ed ; Thine all-seeing eye has kept watch over me, 
guarded my going out and my coming in, and 
warded off all harm. Therefore, O taste and see 
that the Lord is good ! Behold how kind He has 
been to my soul! 

If at times Thou didst permit me to experience 
great distress, Thou didst also deliver me again. 
In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Thy 
comforts delighted my soul. If danger and need 
frequently came near me, Thy help was also 
near. Thy angel kept me in all my ways, and de- 
livered me from the jaws of the lion. 

O my God ! Mercifully forgive me all the sins 
which I have committed against Thee in the old 



Hymn at the Close of the Year. 125 

year. I beseech Thee, do not in the new year 
punish me on account of them, but pardon me 
for Jesus' sake. Lord, remember not the sins of 
my youth nor my transgressions; according to 
Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy good- 
ness' sake, O Lord. 

O Lord God, I now close the old year with 
thanksgiving and praise and prayer. Remain, 
I humbly beseech Thee, my Shield and gracious 
God in the new year also. Keep Thy guarding 
hand over me. Yea, let me be entrusted to Thy 
care and love and grace in all time to come. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 



For Thy mercy and Thy grace, 
Faithful through another year, 

Hear our song of thankfulness; 
Father and Redeemer, hear. 

In our weakness and distress, 

Rock of Strength ! be Thou our Stay 

In the pathless wilderness 
Be our true and living way. 

Who of us death's awful road 
In the coming year shall tread, 

With Thy rod and staff, O God, 
Comfort Thou his dying head. 

Keep us faithful; keep us pure; 
Keep us evermore Thine own • 



7s 



126 For the Festivals of t : . 01 xh. 

Help, O help us to endure : 

Fit us for the promised crown. 

So within Thy palace gate 

We shall praise, on golden strings. 
Thee, the only Potentate. 

Lord of lords, and King of kings. 

— H-:-:r-, L:z. -.-:-. :l±: 

EVENING PRAYJEB AT THE CLOSE OF THE YIAE. 

For the last rime in rlie old year. merciful 

God, I bow rny knee ind seek naught 

but Thy grace an'". -I know that I have 

often griev d d angered Thee in the last twelve 
months. I know that I have often transgressed 
Thy coniniandmentS; and have seldom walked in 
the path in which I should hare walked. I know 
that by my disobedience I have deserved Thy 
wrath and displeasure, and have merited Thy 
just punishment. But I also know that for 
Jesus' sake Thou dost receive penitent sinners 
into Thy favor, and dost forgive them their 
transgressions and sin>. Therefore I now cast 
myself before Thy throne of s and beseech 

Thee for mercy, Lord, remember not the sins 
of my youth nor my many transgressions. Ac- 
cording to Thy mercy remember Thou me for 
Thy goodness" sake. Lord. Enter not into judg- 
ment with me : for in Thy sight shall no man 
living justified. Forgive me all my sins. 

Cleanse me also from secret faults. 



Evening Prayer at the Clove of the Year. 127 

If I have not listened with fitting devotion 
and attention to Thy revealed Word, which mak- 
eth wise unto salvation, forgive ine my inatten- 
tion, and let me henceforth be not only a hearer, 
but a doer of the Word. If I have not loved 
Thee and my neighbor as I should, banish all 
coldness from my heart, and kindle the fire of 
divine love in my soul, that I may love Thee in 
future with all my heart, and with all my soul, 
and with all my mind, and with all my strength, 
and my neighbor as myself. Mercifully forgive 
me, if I have not been as faithful as I should have 
been in my earthly calling; and grant me grace 
more faithfully to employ the pound which Thou 
hast entrusted to me, and always to be found a 
good steward, able to give an account of my 
stewardship. There is forgiveness with Thee, O 
God; therefore I seek it with Thee. Xow that 
the year is closing, blot out the heavy account of 
my sins with the precious blood of Jesus, which 
I apprehend by faith. Let my sins disappear 
like mist from before Thine eyes. Remove them 
far from me, and remember them no more for- 
ever; so that in the new year I may not appear 
as a debtor in Thy sight. 

Take - me this night also under Thy protect- 
ing grace. Be a pillar of fire about me to shield 
me from harm. If this night should be my last 
in this vale of tears, receive me unto Thyself in. 



128 For the Festivals of the Church. 

heaven. But if, in accordance with Thy coun- 
sel, Thou shouldest permit me to live longer on 
earth, do Thou in Thy goodness accompany me 
in the new year, lead me in Thy paths, and make 
my heart truly devoted to Thee. Lead me in the 
land of uprightness, and take not Thy Holy 
Spirit from me. Let me henceforth live unto 
Thee, serve Thee, and obey Thee. Yea, my God, 
this one thing I beg of Thee before I fall asleep : 
give me in the new year a new mind and heart, 
that I may unhesitatingly do Thy will, and that 
my spirit, soul, and body may remain the abode 
of Thy Holy Spirit. Amen. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS AT THE BEGIN- 
NING OF THE NEW YEAR, 

MORNING PRAYER. 

OMY God and Father! In these first 
hours of the new year which Thy good- 
ness has permitted me to see, I appear 
in prayer before Thy throne. And what shall 
I ask of Thee? Three things I will ask in child- 
like confidence, hoping that Thou wilt not deny 
my requests. 

First, I pray Thee to shield, guard, and pre- 
serve me in this new year by Thy strong and 
mighty hand. As long as we human beings 



Morning Prayer for New Year. 129 

sojourn on earth, we are exposed to many vicis- 
situdes and perils which may readily prove our 
ruin, if Thou wilt not keep and deliver us by 
Thy mighty power. Should harm of any kind 
threaten me, therefore, mercifully ward it off. 
Should danger of any kind impend over me, 
spread Thy protecting wings over me, that it 
may not touch me. Should crosses, tribula- 
tions, and afflictions lower over me, preserve 
and guard me against them. If, however, it 
be Thy will, that I should experience many of 
the sufferings of this present time, let me bear 
them patiently, accept them as Thy chasten- 
ings, and subordinate my will to Thine. Be 
with me in my hours of trial, and let me not 
lose courage. Deliver me speedily, and let me 
rejoice in Thy mercy. 

Again, I pray Thee to let Jesus dwell ever 
within my heart. He prepared it as His temple 
through Holy Baptism. He took possession 
of it as His habitation even before I knew 
Him aright. And although I turned Him 
away by my sins, and forfeited His fellow- 
ship, yet He returned and took up His abode 
in me again when I sought His fellowship 
anew in true repentance. O let this precious 
treasure always be mine! Strengthen my 
faith in Christ's name. Let me love and value 
Jesus above all else. Let me, in the strength 

9 



130 For the Festivals of the Church. 

which Thou suppliest, tread in His holy foot- 
steps ; and let the same mind be in me which 
was also in Him : that I may always remain 
most intimately united with Him, and be pleas- 
ing to Thee. 

Finally, in deep humility of heart, I pray 
Thee to let Thy holy angels keep me during 
this year in all my ways. Thou sendest them 
as ministering spirits, to minister for them who 
shall be heirs of salvation. And since Thou 
wouldest not have that any should perish, but 
that all should be heirs of salvation, I also be- 
long to those who may share in the blessed 
ministrations of those perfect spiritual beings 
who continually surround Thy throne. I there- 
fore beseech Thee to grant me the guardian 
care of Thy angels. Command them to keep 
me in all my ways. Let them encamp around 
me and form a wall of defense for me, that 
no evil may reach me, and that Satan, even if 
he should transform himself into an angel of 
light, may not be able to harm me. Let me re- 
member that Thy angels are with me, so that I 
may carefully avoid sin, and permit myself to be 
led in the paths of righteousness. 

O my God and Father! If Thou wilt grant 
me this threefold petition, I shall, in the new 
year, remain unharmed and blessed. On every 
day in it I shall experience proofs of Thy grace 



Meditation for 'New Year. 131 

and mercy. My soul shall be filled with light 
and power and strength. I shall increase in 
faith and holiness. I shall be enabled to fol- 
low my daily occupation in health. If Thou 
wilt grant me what I have now besought, I 
shall have everything that is needful for bless- 
edness in body and soul. And since Thou de- 
sirest nothing but the true happiness of Thy 
Creatures, bestow upon me in the new year the 
blessings for which I have prayed. Hear this 
first prayer which I offer up to Thee in the new 
year. Grant me what in all humility I have 
asked of Thee. Be merciful to me. Then with 
joyful voice I will give Thee praise, and declare 
what Thou hast done for me. Amen. 

MEDITATION FOR NEW YEAR. 

Ps. 90 ; 17. And let the beauty of the Lord our 
God be upon us : and establish Thou the work of our 
hands upon us ; yea, the work of our hands establish 
Thou it. 

Although curious and timid souls frequently 
desire to know beforehand whether the new year 
will be a happy one, it is not in the power of man 
to read the future. God alone can do that. 
Therefore that which is the habit of devout souls 
is to be recommended to all ; namely, (1) to enter 
upon the new year with thanksgiving and praise 
for the goodness of the Most High, who has 



132 For the Festivals of the Church. 

brought them, through many a stormy wind of 
sorrow and many a flood of tribulation, safely to 
the beginning of the new year. And surely, if a 
ship is fortunate when it passes safely through 
storms and billows, we should thank God upon 
our knees when we have been permitted to live 
through a year in health and happiness. 

Devout souls (2) proceed from thanksgiving 
to supplication, praying that the goodness of 
the Most High may continue to shield, govern, 
and preserve them. They say, "Leave me not, 
neither forsake me in this new year, O God of 
my salvation." They commit body and soul 
and all that they possess to His gracious keep- 
ing. They (3) strive also to become better and 
more devoted in the new year. They determine 
that, with God's help, they will walk during 
this year in newness of life. If aged persons 
boast of their many years, and yet are earthly 
and worldly in their mind and habits, they re- 
ally have no more to boast of than any old Jew 
or heathen, who perhaps exceeds them in age. 
For godliness, which is the fruit of faith and of 
indwelling grace, is the only glory of youth or 
age. Devout souls also (4) determine at the 
beginning of the new T year, that they will dili- 
gently hear God's Word, take it to heart, and 
live in accordance with its teachings. 



Prayer for New Year. 133 



PRAYER FOR NEW YEAR. 

O Lord, Lord, merciful and long-suffering, 
and of great faithfulness, who art from eternity 
to eternity, and with whom is no variableness 
neither shadow of turning! Behold, under Thy 
protection I have entered upon a new year. 
How excellent is Thy loving kindness, O God; 
therefore the children of men put their trust 
under the shadow of Thy wings. They shall be 
abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy 
house. The river of God is full of water. 

All this, O God, I have abundantly experi- 
enced in the year that is past. And I therefore 
desire to begin the new year in Thy name, with 
prayer, sighing, and supplication. My voice 
shalt Thou hear in the morning of this year, O 
Lord; in the morning, in its earliest hours, I 
will direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look 
up. O Lord, I know not what may happen to 
me in this new year. The year is long, the days 
are many, human sorrows are manifold, and the 
accidents which may happen to men are innu- 
merable. Therefore I come to Thee, O mighty 
and loving God, and at once commit myself to 
Thy gracious and faithful keeping. While all 
things become new, while the fields grow green 
with verdure, and the sun rises higher in the 
heavens, and all nature is filled with new vital- 



134 For the Festivals of the Church. 

ity, let Thy goodness and mercy be new unto me 
also. I entrust my soul to Thy gracious Fath- 
erly protection. Guard it against sin, that I 
may not deliberately and wilfully defile it. 
Lord Jesus, sanctify and cleanse me with 
Thy precious blood. O God the Holy Ghost, 
dwell in me, and let me be Thy temple. What 
a blessed year this will be, if I remain in 
Thy grace, O heavenly Father, and live as 
Thy child! How blessed I shall be, if I con- 
tinue in Thy fellowship, O Jesus! How my 
light will shine before men, if Thou, O Holy 
Spirit, dwellest and reignest in me! If I am 
adorned with beauty within, I shall be well- 
pleasing to Thee. 

And as Thou hast hitherto blessed me with 
life and health, so do Thou also, if it be in ac- 
cordance with Thy gracious will and be good 
for my soul, mercifully preserve me in health 
through the coming year, so that I may be all 
the better fitted for Thy service and the duties 
of my earthly calling. If, however, it should 
be Thy will to visit me with sickness or pain, do 
not forsake me, but soothe my pain and, in due 
time, remove my sufferings. Spread out Thy 
hand, O Lord God, over all my dear ones and 
over all that I possess. Be a wall of fire around 
me as around Elisha. Guard me round about 
like the house of Job. 



Prayer for New Year. 135 

Grant me the power of Thy Holy Spirit, that 
I may, during this year, grow in holiness, and 
become a true child of God, fervent in prayer, 
and diligent in hearing and doing Thy Word. 
Help me so to live in the new year, that it may 
be said of my soul, "Old things are passed 
away; all things are become new;" and that 
there may be found in me a new longing after 
Thee, a new love for my neighbor, and a new 
desire to be and remain united with Thee. O 
sanctify me wholly, that my spirit, soul, and 
body may be kept blameless unto the day of 
Jesus Christ. Give me a new religious zeal, 
and let me increase and grow in every good 
work. Bless my occupation and labor; bless 
my going out and my coming in; and grant me 
all that Thou seest I need. But let me also, at 
the beginning of this year, bear in mind that 
sometime the last year of my life will come; 
in order that, abiding in repentance and faith, 
and having my lamp trimmed and my loins 
girt, I may always be ready to receive Thee, 
my Bridegroom and gracious God, with joy, and 
inherit the kingdom prepared for me from the 
foundation of the world. Amen. 



136 For the Festivals of the Church. 



HYMN. 

L. M. 

Great God! we sing that mighty hand. 
By which supported still we stand : 
The opening rear Thy mercy shows; 
Let mercy crown it, till it close. 

By day, by night, at home, abroad, 
Still we are guarded by our God; 
By His incessant bounty fed, 
By His unerring counsel led. 

With grateful hearts the past we own : 
The future, all to us unknown. 
We to Thy guardian care commit, 
And, peaceful, leave before Thy feet. 

In scenes exalted or depressed, 
Be Thou our joy, and Thou our rest : 
Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise. 
Adored through all our changing days. 

When death shall interrupt our songs, 
And seal in silence mortal tongues, 
Our Helper God. in whom we trust. 
In better worlds our souls shall boast. 

— Dodd ridg. : : 
EVENING PRATER FOR NEW YEAR. 

Great and Exalted God! My trust in Thee 
has not been put to shame on this first day 
the new year; for on it I have experienced many 
proofs of Thy goodness and love. Thou hast 



Evening Prayer for New Year. 137 

given me gladness of heart; Thou hast caused 
Thy Word to be proclaimed to me; Thou hast 
satisfied and overwhelmed me with good things. 
Praise and glory and thanksgiving be unto 
Thee from my inmost heart. 

As Thou hast hitherto graciously heard my 
prayer, bo do Thou now hearken to my cry as I 
lie down to rest. At the 'lawn of this day and 

r I besought Thy favor and grace and bless- 
ing for myself. Now I will pray for others 
also, in accordance with Thy command to make 
supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giv- 
ing of thanks for all men. Let those whom 
Thou hast made to be kings and rulers on earth 
rule in peace and prosperity. On their well- 
being, health, prudence, and foresight, depend 
in a large measure the welfare, comfort, and 
peace of those over whom they rule. Crown, 
therefore, with long life all those rulers who 
bear Thy image and serve Thee: and let them 
preserve their vigor to a green old age. But 
lor them always be mindful of their responsi- 
bility as the divinely constituted authorities 

r others, that they may deal righteously. 

reward the good, and punish the wicked: and 

that all who live under their rule may lead a 

iet and peaceable life in all godliness and 

honesty. 



138 For the Festival* of the Church. 

Ann with the plenteous gifts of Thy Spirit 
those whom Thou hast sent out to preach the 
Gospel of peace. Give them grace and strength 
to administer their weighty office, and let them 
always open their lips with joy to Thy glory. 
Let them be free from the fear of men, and 
speak the truth unreservedly to all, so that 
through their instrumentality Thy kingdom up- 
on earth may be spread more and more, and an 
assembly of believers be builded up which 
shall constantly be assured of Thy favor. 
Watch over the whole Christian Church on 
earth. Deal with each and every member of 
it as a loving Father, reconciled through Christ. 
Do good unto them as unto Thy children. Bless 
their labor and toil for their daily bread. 
Ward off from them every evil, and be always 
their Sun and Shield. And as Thou blessest 
them in bodily things, so be Thou also gracious 
and kind to them in spiritual things. Let sin- 
ners be led to repentance by Thy goodness, that 
the angels of heaven may rejoice over them. 
Strengthen those whom Thou hast pardoned. 
Ground and establish them in the good, that no 
man may take their crown. Gladden the sor- 
rowing and afflicted; strengthen and heal the 
weak and the sick; comfort and refresh the des- 
titute. Have mercy upon all men. 




ECCE HOMO. 






Morning Prayer for Lent. 139 

These, O Father of mercies, are the supplica- 
tions which I bring before Thee. Graciously 
hear them, and add Thy Yea and Amen. Then 
shall this be a blessed year for me and for all. 
O God, in whom we trust, grant us on earth 
these spiritual and bodily blessings, till in 
eternity we shall unceasingly reap blessings 
from Thy hands, and enter into the possession 
of the good things of Thy house. In the con- 
fidence that Thou wilt certainly hear my pray- 
er, I close my eyes, and commit myself and all 
my fellow-Christians to Thy fatherly care. 
Amen. 



THE CHRISTIAN, AT THE BEGINNING OF 

LENT, MEDITATES ON THE SUFFER- 

INGS OF JESUS CHRIST. 

MORNING PRAYER. 

O JESUS! I would now meditate upon Thy 
Passion: grant me a true spirit of de- 
votion. Let my heart behold Thee as 
Thou didst appear when wounded for my trans- 
gressions and bruised for my iniquities. O suf- 
fering Saviour, I humbly entreat Thee graciously 
to guide my meditations while in spirit I watch 
Thee going to the Holy City, in which the cruel 



140 For the Festivals of the Church. 

sentence of death already waits for Thee, and 
in which Thy bitter foes, angry at Thee without 
a cause, already rejoice at the prospect of Thy 
death. 

This season of Lent, which Thou hast again 
graciously permitted me to reach, reminds me 
of the cruel sufferings which Thou, in accord- 
ance with the counsel of Thy heavenly Father, 
didst willingly undergo in order, as the Lamb of 
God, to bear and atone for the sins of the whole 
world. No man could redeem his brother, or 
reconcile him with God. The ransom which was 
needed was too great for any merely human be- 
ing to pay in a whole eternity. Therefore Thou 
didst in mercy assume our flesh and blood in the 
fulness of time, and didst undertake by Thy 
bloody atonement to restore between men and 
God that peace which men by their sins had 
broken and lost. 

If I am to ponder these things with profit, 
Thou must give me grace to do so. For without 
Thee I can do nothing. Therefore enlighten my 
understanding, that I may behold the greatness 
of Thy love and mercy, and may be prompted 
to give Thee the thanks which are meet. Sanc- 
tify my will, that I may appropriate and em- 
ploy for my profit the blessings which Thou 
hast acquired by Thy death. Thou lovedst me 
even before I knew Thee. Thou ^avest Thv- 



Morning Prayer for Lent. 141 

self for me before I could know anything of 
Thee. Thou didst bear shame and scorn and 
contumely and sufferings of many kinds, in 
order that I might be blessed. For me, for my 
salvation, Thou didst do these things! Shall I 
not sing Thy praise? Shall I not laud and 
magnify Thee? Yea, a thousand times will I 
thank Thee, dearest Jesus ! A thousand times be 
unto Thee praise and glory! For Thou hast 
conquered death and hell for me. I am now 
Thine, and Thou art mine, my Joy and my Crown. 
Grant that I may soon behold Thee, Thou Sun 
of Kighteousness, in all Thy glory. 

Thy sufferings have been borne : O come, Thou 
Bishop of souls, and unite my soul with Thee. 
Thou didst die for all, and consequently for me 
also, in order that those who live might hence- 
forth live, not unto themselves, but unto Him 
that died and rose again for them. Therefore 
come into my soul, and give it life. Let me ever 
remember how much my redemption cost Thee. 
Let me never forget the ignominious death which 
Thou hadst to endure in order to free me from 
eternal death. Let me ever remember that Thy 
death was necessary for me, because I have 
hitherto lived for myself and the world. And 
may this reflection move me to live henceforth 
unto Thee, Pluck me as a brand out of the fire, 
and let not Thy sufferings have been in vain 



142 For the Festivals of the Church. 

for me. Let me henceforth be Thy disciple whom 
nothing can part from Thee. 

To this end, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that 
He may bring home to my heart all that I hear 
of Thy cruel sufferings and death during this 
season of Thy passion. Give me grace to occupy 
my mind and heart constantly with thoughts of 
Thee, to find my delight in Thee, and thus to 
secure for myself an abiding blessing. Should 
the world seek to lead me into vanity and folly, 
or should Satan disturb me by distractions of 
the mind, or should my own depraved heart 
prompt me to evil, then let me think of Thy 
sufferings, and in steadfast faith resist and 
overcome all these temptations. Help me to keep 
Thee ever in mind, in order that I may shun sin 
and be found faithful, and thus be permitted at 
last to enter upon the enjoyment of that blessed- 
ness which Thou hast acquired for me by Thy 
sufferings and death. Amen. 

MEDITATION FOR LENT. 

II. Cor. 5 : 21. For He hath made Him to be sin 
for us who knew no sin ; that we might be made the 
righteousness of God in Him. 

The holy season of Lent was observed by the 
ancient Christians as a period of devotion and 
prayer, and was spent in special meditation 
upon the sufferings of Jesus. This is the way 



Meditation for Lent. 143 

in which the season is still observed by all 
true children of God. While Satan has, indeed, 
persuaded the children of the world to spend 
Lent, not in prayer and devotion, but in 
drunkenness, masquerades, gluttony, dissipation, 
and wickedness, and thus to give evidence that 
they do not care for the crucified Lord Jesus, but 
trample His bleeding love under foot; the true 
children of God have a different spirit, and view 
such conduct with horror. 

They (1) not only begin this season with prayer 
and singing, but deny themselves earthly plea- 
sures as far as possible, in order that they may 
find their joy in the blood of Jesus alone. (2) 
They picture to themselves all the sufferings of 
Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, before the 
Sandhedrim and the judgment-seat of Pontius 
Pilate, on the hill of Golgotha, and on the cross ; 
and at the contemplation of each of these scenes 
they say, It was for me He suffered thus! 

But while employing themselves with this holy 
contemplation at home and in church, (3) they 
are not satisfied with the mere history of these 
things, nor are they content to let their devotion 
vanish with the passing away of Lent ; but just 
as they desire to comfort their souls through all 
their life and in the hour of death with the 
wounds of Jesus, so they constantly keep before 
their minds the crucified and risen Jesus. The 



144 For the Festivals of the Church. 

remembrance of these things (4) prompts them 
to crucify their own lusts and desires, so that 
they may no longer live with the world, nor com- 
mit wilful sin, but may more and more die unto 
sin, and rise to newness of life. (5) Such zeal 
and such desires will be blessed by God to the 
sanctification of their life. 

PRAYER FOR LENT. 

Jesus, my Jesus, how great is the love which 
Thou, in Thy bitter suffering, hast manifested 
toward me! Thou art the only-begotten Son 
of God, the Lamb without spot, the Lord of 
Glory, the Holy One who did no sin: and yet 
Thou dost willingly endure the most shameful 
death and the most cruel sufferings for me, who 
am unrighteous, sinful, and a child of death. O 
how great, how unspeakable is Thy mercy ! The 
Holy One bears my unholiness ; the Perfect One, 
my wickedness; the Just One. my unrighteous- 
ness; the Innocent One, my guilt. My sins are 
laid upon Thee, that Thy righteousness might 
be bestowed upon me. My Jesus, in Thy suf- 
ferings I see the wrath of God against sin, the 
heinousness of sin. the punishment of sin. For 
if. for the sins of others imputed to Thee, God 
let Thee suffer such agony at the Mount of 
Olives, and permitted Thine enemies to treat 
Thee so cruelly, how dreadful will be the punish- 






Prayer for Lent. 145 

ment of those who do not permit themselves to 
be moved to repentance, to faith, and to holy 
living ! 

My Jesus, I come before Thee, and look in 
faith upon Thy sufferings. Thou enterest into 
the garden of Gethsemane, and Thy sweat is, as 
it were, great drops of blood: O it is for me! 
that I may be freed from the power of Satan. 
Thou art led before the judgment-seat, accused, 
and condemned to death: O it is for me! that 
I, appearing after my death and on the last day 
before Thy judgment-seat, may be acquitted. 
Many are Thy accusers, but none there is that 
pleads for Thee: O it is for me! that, when my 
sins and my conscience accuse me, Thou mayest 
plead for me. Thou art scourged, Thou art 
bruised and bleeding: O it is for me! that I 
may not be scourged on account of my sins. 
Thou art led forth to death: O it is for me! 
that my death may be a blessing in disguise, 
the portal to heaven, and my access to the Father. 
Thou art crucified: O it is for me! for Thou, O 
Lamb of God, hast borne all my sins. Thou diest 
on the cross; O it is for me! that through Thy 
death I might have life. Thou art buried : O it 
is for me! that Thou mightest hallow my grave. 
Truly this is love, this is mercy, that I, through 
Thy dreadful sufferings, obtain life and grace 
and the forgiveness of all my sins! The chas- 
10 



146 For the Festivals of the Church. 

tisenient of my peace was upon Thee, and with 
Thy stripes I am healed. I will keep Thy suf- 
ferings before my eyes, wherever I may be. Thy 
sufferings and death shall abide in my heart till 
soul and body are sundered. 

As Israel was free from guilt when it brought 
a lamb for the sacrifice and saw its warm blood 
flow, so I also know that by faith in Thee I am 
reconciled to God and enjoy His favor, because 
Thou, O Jesus, wast slain for me as the Lamb 
of God, and Thy blood was abundantly shed 
for me. Thy blood is the true blood of recon- 
ciliation, purification, and atonement. 

O my Jesus, whenever my heart would lead 
me into sin, I will think of the sufferings which 
Thou didst endure, and the blood which Thou 
didst shed. When the world by its evil example 
would entice me to do wrong, I will set before 
mine eyes Thy bleeding form at the Mount of 
Olives, in Thy scourging, and on the cross. When 
my sins fill me with fear, I will flee to Thy 
wounds. When my conscience makes me afraid, 
I will cling to Thy blood as my ransom. And 
in the hour of death I desire to know nothing 
but Thee, O Jesus. Thy holy name shall be my 
last word; Thy bleeding form shall be my last 
thought; Thy last words on the cross shall be 
my last sigh in death, "Father, into Thy hands I 
commit my spirit.'' In that last hour, be Thou, 



Hymn for Lent. 147 

O Jesus, my Comfort, my Joy, my Strength, and 
my Stay. Amen. 

HYMN. 

S. M. 

Not all the blood of beasts 

On Jewish altars slain 
Could give the guilty conscience peace, 

Or wash away the stain. 

But Christ, the heavenly Lamb, 

Takes all our stains away ; 
A sacrifice of nobler name, 

And richer blood than they. 

My faith would lay her hand, 

On that dear head of Thine, 
While like a penitent I stand, 

And there confess my sin. 

My soul looks back to see 

The burden Thou didst bear, 
When hanging on the cursed tree, 

And knows her guilt was there. 

Believing, we rejoice 

To see the curse remove; 
We bless the Lamb with cheerful voice, 



And sing His bleeding Love. 



— Watts, iyog. a. 



148 For the Festivals of the Church. 

EVENING PRAYER FOR LENT. 

O ray Jesus, my King, and My Head! Be- 
fore I lay my weary limbs to rest, and fall" 
asleep, I would commune once more with 
Thee, and commend myself to Thy keeping. 
My meditations to-day upon Thy sufferings have 
awakened in me the sweetest emotions. O let 
those emotions be permanent, and let the remem- 
brance of Thy Passion bear fruit in me. 

O dearest Jesus ! through Thy sufferings Thou 
hast hallowed all the sufferings which may come 
upon Thy members, and hence those also which 
may come upon me. Thou wast sorrowful even 
unto death; yea, Thou didst experience what it 
means to be utterly forsaken. And all this Thou 
didst endure, in order that I might be delivered 
from similar distresses through Thee. Be not 
forgetful of me in such hours, but be my help in 
trouble. When I cry, be not silent unto me. 
Sorrow and dismay take hold on me, when Thou 
hidest Thy face and seemest not to know me or 
not to care for me. Trembling and anguish fill 
my soul, when Thou appearest to turn me away 
in my bodily or spiritual distress, as if I had 
nothing to seek from Thee. Therefore I entreat 
Thee, hide not from me the gracious light of 
Thy countenance. In such dark hours rouse 
me to faith, that I may cling firmly to Thy prom- 



Evening Prayer for Lent. 149 

ises and Thy love. Let me confidently hope 
that Thou wilt turn for me my mourning into 
dancing, and wilt put off my sack-cloth and gird 
me with gladness. 

O yes, my Jesus, speak to me words of com- 
fort in my afflictions. Leave me not, neither 
forsake me. Let me remember the joyful end 
which crowned Thy sufferings, and firmly trust 
in Thy goodness and mercy. Let me be like 
Thee, and imitate Thy example in my sufferings. 
Let me bear with cheerfulness all that a wise 
Providence sees fit to have me bear. Make me 
patient when troubles come upon me like a flood. 
Enable me to bear with meek submission all 
that befalls me. Let the same mind be in me 
which was also in Thee, O Jesus. Let me not 
seek to prescribe the hour when Thou shalt 
help, but ever say with Thee, "Father, not 
my will, but Thine be done." Let me imitate 
Thy example in my hours of sorrow, that at last 
I may also share in Thy eternal glory. Let the 
thought of Thee banish my sadness. Keep Thy 
bleeding image ever before my eyes; then shall 
I never lack for comfort, but be powerfully quick- 
ened and refreshed. 

Abide with me to-night. And to-morrow when 
I awake, yea, on every succeeding morning when 
I awake, let my soul be satisfied with Thy like- 
ness. Strengthen me constantly by Thy grace 



150 For tht Festivals of the Church. 

even to my end. And when the hour of rny 
dearh arrives, let me look forward in confidence 
to the dissolution of soul and body, and die in 
peace. Take my spirit into Thy hands : and let 
Thy sufferings for me hover before my eyes, that 
I may draw from them comfort, strength, and 
quickening in abundant measure. Amen. 



OX GOOD FRIDAY, THE CHRISTIAN MED- 
ITATES OX THE DEATH OF JESUS. 

Isa. 57 : 1. The righteous perisheth. and no man 
taketh it to heart : and merciful men are taken away, 
none considering that the righteous is taken away from 
the evil to come. 

GOOD Friday, the day on which the blessed 
Jesus suffered and died. is. indeed, often 
observed as a quiet day even by worldly 
persons, from a sense of ontward shame or fear. 
But for the true children of God it is not simply 
a quiet day, but a day of special devotion. On 
this day (1) they meditate upon the Passion of 
Jesus, as having been endured out of Love for 
them. O depth of love! O love immeasurable! 
which prompted Christ to tread the way of sor- 
row. Love impelled Him to become man: love 
impelled Him to give Himself into the death of 



Meditation on Good Friday. 151 

the cross for us. (2) Christians meditate upon 
the suffering of Jesus as innocent suffering. 
We are not to imagine that Jesus, even in the 
least, did anything worthy of punishment; for 
He was holy, undefiled, and separate from sin- 
ners. He did no sin, neither was guile found 
in His mouth. On His part, it was a suffering 
wholly undeserved. But He voluntarily took it 
upon Himself for our sakes. 

It was a suffering (3) appointed to Him by His 
heavenly Father. He suffered according to the 
determinate counsel of God (Acts 2 :23), and 
knew beforehand what awaited Him. This does 
not excuse the Jews, as though they were com- 
pelled to act as they did in order to carry out 
God's will. For just as in Gethsemane Jesus 
was already sorrowful even unto death, and His 
sweat was, as it were, great drops of blood; so 
God would have been able, without any assist- 
ance from the Jews, to augment the suffering of 
Jesus even unto death. God used the stubborn- 
ness of the Jews for His own ends; but it was 
not their intention and purpose to do God's will. 
They simply sought to vent their wickedness and 
spite upon Christ. So Joseph's brethren did not 
sell him in order to make him lord over Egypt. 
They meant it evil with him ; but God overruled 
their evil purposes for good. (Gen. 50:20). (1) 



152 For the Festivals of the Church. 

The sufferings of Christ were actual sufferings. 
He felt the pain and the anguish in all their 
intensity. 

All these things the believing soul reflects 
upon, and let them be a mirror, in which he 
sees both the anger of God against sin and the 
love of God which desires man's salvation. 

PRAYER ON GOOD FRIDAY. 

O loving and blessed Jesus! I come before 
Thee to meditate in true devotion upon Thy bit- 
ter Passion. O let Thy sufferings incite me 
earnestly to shun all evil lusts, and never to for- 
get how much it cost Thee to redeem me. O 
Thou Lamb, innocently slain! Thou didst suf- 
fer for all my sins, yea, for the sins, the guilt, 
the misdeeds, the unrighteousness, the wicked- 
ness of the whole world. Our guilt was laid on 
Thee, and counted as though it were Thine; and 
Thou didst appear before the divine judgment 
as though Thou wert the greatest sinner, yea, 
the very personification of sin. And as our sins 
were cast upon Thee, Thou spotless Lamb, so 
our punishment came on Thee like a flood. Con- 
tempt, shame, and blasphemy were poured upon 
Thee during Thy public ministry; and at the 
end of Thy life Thy sufferings became extreme. 
Thou wast not only tried and condemned by 



Prayer on Good Friday. 153 

both the spiritual and the temporal court, but 
didst bear the most cruel pains of body. Thou 
wast wounded, scourged, torn, and bleeding. 

Behold, O children of men! Was there ever 
grief like the grief of Jesus? His head was 
crowned with thorns, His body bruised and 
bleeding from the dreadful scourging; the nails 
were driven through His hands and feet; His 
side was pierced with a spear: and He could 
truthfully say, I am a worm and not a man. Not 
only was His holy body so cruelly maltreated, 
but He bore the most extreme mental agony, 
so that His soul was sorrowful even unto death. 
The waves of divine wrath that rolled over Him, 
and the pains of hell that took hold on Him, 
caused Him to cry out, " My God, My God, why 
hast Thou forsaken Me? " And then followed 
death. 

O Lamb, slain on Calvary! All this Thou 
didst endure for me, for my good, for my com- 
fort, for my peace, for my redemption, for my 
welfare, for my salvation! For if Thou hadst 
not come into the world, taken our nature upon 
Thee, and voluntarily died for our sins, we 
should have been condemned forever. But now, 
if I believe on Thee, and in the confidence of 
faith appropriate Thy holy blood, I am not con- 
demned, but am saved through Thee. If I fol- 



154 For the Festivals of the Church. 

low Thee in holy living, and bring forth true 
fruits of repentance, I shall not perish, but have 
everlasting life. 

O my Jesus ! Let Thy bitter sufferings always 
remain in my mind and heart, that I may com- 
fort myself with them, and may through them 
be justified and saved. Let me not spend a sin- 
gle day on which Thy bleeding image is nut be- 
fore my eyes. Let Thy sufferings. Thy blodd, 
Thy wounds, be engraved upon my hands, yea, 
upon my heart, so that, with each breath I draw, 
nothing but Jesus' sufferings, Jesus' death. 
Jesus' blood may be in my thoughts, and that 
I may thus be drawn away from the world and 
be made holy and pure. 

My Jesus! As Thy sufferings quicken, re- 
joice, comfort, awaken, and edify me. so do also 
Thy seven words upon the cross, For me also 
Thou didst pray : "Forgive them :" forgive this 
soul what it has done against Thee. For me 
thou criedst, "My God, My God. why hast Thou 
forsaken Me?" so that I might never, in afflic- 
tions, in need, in death, before Thy judgment on 
the last day, here in time, or there in eternity. 
be forsaken. For me Thou saidst : " I thirst." 
O grant that I may again embrace Thee by faith. 
Let me thirst after Thee as the hart panteth 
after the water brooks, and be gladdened and 



Hymn on Good Friday. 155 

quickened by Thy love. For me Thou didst feel 
care and concern when Thou saidst, " Behold 
Thy mother." Even though I groan beneath the 
cross, and am forsaken in my tribulations by 
all men as was Mary, Thou wilt pity me, hare 
mercy on me, care for me, help me, and be 
gracious to me. O let me, in the hour of my 
death, hear the words : " To-day Thou shalt be 
with me in Paradise." Comfort me with this 
assurance of my salvation in the days of health, 
speak it to me on my death-bed, and let it be 
fulfilled in me after my departure from this 
world. For me Thou saidst : " It is finished." 
All has now been done that I should have done, 
all has been borne that I should have suffered. 
Now salvation, life, peace, joy, comfort, eternal 
blessedness, the crown of life, and the robe of 
white have been acquired. Yea, Thy last words 
on the cross shall also be my words of comfort 
and joy in death, and I will pray in the words 
in which Thou didst pray : " Father into Thy 
hands I commend my spirit." Amen. 



HYMN. 

7, 6. D. 

O Sacred Head, now wounded, 

With grief and shame weighed down, 

Now scornfully surrounded 

With thorns, Thine only crown! 



156 For the Festivals of the Church. 

O sacred Head, what glory. 

What bliss, till now. was thine! 
Yet. though despised and gory. 

I joy to call Thee mine. 

How art Thou pale with anguish, 

With sore abuse and scorn! 
How does that visage languish, 

Which once was bright as morn ! 
What Thou, hit Lord, hast suffered, 

Was all for sinners' gain: 
Mine. mine, was the transgression, 

But Thine the deadly pain. 

Lo. here I fall, my Saviour! 

'Tis I deserve Thy place! 
Look on me with Thy favor, 

Vouchsafe to me Thy grace. 
Receive me. my Redeemer. 

My shepherd, make me Thine! 
Of every good the fountain. 

Thou art the Spring of mine. 

What language shall I borrow 
To thank Thee, dearest Friend, 

For this Thy dying sorrow. 

Thy pity without end! 
O make me Thine forever. 

And should I fainting be, 
Lord, let me never, never. 

Outlive my love to Thee. 

Forbid that I should leave Thee; 
O Jesus, leave not me: 



Morning Prayer for Easter. 157 

In faith may I receive Thee, 

When death shall set me free. 
When strength and comfort languish, 

And I must hence depart, 
Release me then from anguish 

By Thine own wounded heart. 

— Bernard of Clair v aux, d. 1 153. 
Paul Gerhardt, 1653. 
James Waddell Alexander, Tr. 1830. a. 



THE CHRISTIAN REJOICES OYER THE 
RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. 

MORNING PRAYER FOR EASTER. 

O JESUS ! While I lay asleep in Thy arms 
during the past night, I was as one 
dead. But now, opening my eyes and 
beholding the bright light of day, I begin, so 
to speak, to live anew. Yea, now that Thou 
livest and hast risen from the dead, I live in- 
deed. Thy resurrection has provided for me 
life and full abundance. Let Thy divine life 
be clearly manifest in me. Let me not only 
experience it myself, but let others behold it in 
me. As in the realm of nature the return of 
the sap and the new life in the trees is plainly 
evident to the eyes, even so and much more in 
the kingdom of grace must it be seen that Thy 
holy life has entered into the soul. Therefore, 
since by Thy resurrection I have become par- 



158 For the Festivals of the Church. 

taker of Thy life, let me manifest its power be- 
fore the world. 

Let me manifest this life toward God. Let 
me keep Him in my thoughts, commune con- 
stantly with Him, and begin and perform all 
things in His name. May I neyer be ashamed 
to speak of Him, to praise Him as my best and 
dearest Friend, and to magnify His goodness 
before all men. But guard me that I may not 
do these things from wrong motiyes or for self- 
glorification, but out of feryent loye for Him 
and for the glory of His holy name. 

Let me manifest Thy life in me toward my 
neighbor. Let me show concern for his wel- 
fare, speak to him about the interests of his 
soul, and rejoice with him in Thy loye. Let 
me consecrate my hours to Thee, and neyer 
spend them in yain conyersation and sinful 
amusements. Grant me, from Thine inexhaust- 
ible fulness, the grace and strength which I 
need, in order not to judge my neighbor un- 
kindly when his actions do not seem right to 
me; not to ascribe eyerything to his ignorance; 
not to find fault with the conduct of my super- 
iors, nor to regard them as lacking in common 
sense; but to speak with becoming humility of 
every one, and thus to make manifest that Thy 
Spirit dwells and rules in me. When I speak 



Morning Prayer for Easter. 159 

with others concerning Thee, let it always be 
with the deepest reverence, and never for the 
purpose of exhibiting my knowledge rather 
than promoting Thy glory. 

Finally, let Thy life in me be manifest in 
those duties which I must observe toward my- 
self. Let me gladly remain in Thy fellowship, 
ever find my delight in Thee, and unceasingly 
seek to know Thee better and to live in closer 
communion with Thee. For in so doing I 
shall find my temporal and eternal happiness, 
as well as perform what is my bounden duty. 
Therefore help me, O risen Saviour, to hold that 
fast which I have, that no man may take from 
me the crown which I already possess in be- 
lieving hope. Let me never in any way for- 
sake Thee. Let neither height nor depth, nor 
death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor 
things present nor things to come, nor any 
other creature separate me from Thy love and 
fellowship. Let me not only appreciate and 
value above all else those gifts of grace which 
Thou, by Thy indwelling, hast bestowed upon 
me, but employ them diligently and properly, 
so as always to reap the sweetest fruits from 
them. And when my heart is kindled with 
Thy love, and my knowledge increases and 
abounds, let this spiritual growth continue in 



160 For the Festivals of the Church. 

me uninterruptedly. Let me strive unwear- 
ied It to turn others also from the error of their 
way, and to rescue their soul from death. 

If Thou, O my Saviour, wilt, as I confidently 
hope, grant me this grace which I seek, — to 
live in Thee and always to manifest Thy life in 
me by my walk and conversation — , then let me 
not fall again into a carnal sleep and perish, 
but henceforth continually rise and walk in 
newness of life, and bring forth good fruits, till, 
in Thine own good time, Thou shalt take me to 
life eternal, and make me partaker of Thy heav- 
enly joys. Amen. 

MEDITATION FOR EASTER. 

Rev. 1 : 18. I am He that liveth and was dead ; 
and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen ; and have 
the keys of death and hell. 

The holy Easter Festival is a season of joy for 
all the children of God; for they rejoice from the 
heart in the risen Jesus. (1) They rejoice over 
the completion of their redemption. For, after 
Jesus, who had offered Himself as a substitute 
to do and endure all things for us, had risen 
from the dead, the ransom for sin was fully paid. 
God was reconciled. He accepted the death of 
His Son in place of our death, and now for His 
sake bestows upon us eternal life. (2) Believing 
souls rejoice over the many witnesses and the 



Meditation for Easter. 161 

infallible proofs of the resurrection of Jesus. 
For have we not glorious proofs in the fact, 
that He let Himself be seen ten times after 
His resurrection, that He was seen by more 
than five hundred brethren at once (1 Cor. 15 : 
5), that He spoke with His disciples and ate with 
them (Acts 10 :11), and that He let Himself be 
touched and handled by them (John 20 : 25 ; 1 
John 1 :1) ? Are they not proofs which make it 
impossible to doubt the reality of the resurrec- 
tion? Unbelief is still vanquished by every be- 
liever, because Jesus lives in us (Gal. 2:20), and 
therefore must have risen from the dead and be 
alive. Believers rejoice (3) because the gracious 
forgiveness of their sins is sealed and assured 
to them. They have peace with God, and through 
Christ dare draw near to God with the confi-, 
dence that He will also draw near to them. 
(1) They are assured that the resurrection of 
Jesus will comfort them in death. For by His 
own death Jesus has robbed their death of its 
terrors, hallowed their grave, and assured them 
of their resurrection to eternal life. (5) There- 
fore they spend the holy Easter season, as 
well as the other festivals, in heartfelt devotion, 
with prayer and hymns, and in the contempla- 
tion of the mercies of God. (6) They endeavor 
to rise spiritually every day from the sins in 
11 



162 For the Festivals of the Church. 

which they were buried; that is, to forsake their 
evil ways and habits. And on the other hand. 
they seek to spend the remainder of their days 
in faith and holiness, to the glory of the Lord. 

PRAYER FOR EASTER. 

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the 
tabernacles of the righteous; the right hand of 
the Lord is exalted, the right hand of the Lord 
doeth valiantly. O risen Jesus, mighty con- 
quering Prince, Victor over death, powerful 
Samson! Permitted, as I am by Thy grace, to 
celebrate this holy festival, my heart is filled 
with purest joy. With bended knees and folded 
hands, I say: Thanks be to God, which giveth 
us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
"Jesus is risen from the dead" is the joyful 
news. The surety is released from the prison 
of the grave; consequently, sin must be for- 
given, God be reconciled, and guilt be wiped 
out. It is Christ that died, yea rather, that 
is risen again, who is even at the right hand of 
God, who also maketh intercession for us. Jesus 
hath abolished death, and hath brought life and 
immortality to light, 

O Jesus, dearest Friend! Thy resurrection 
brings me a threefold consolation. I say on 
this festival: The resurrection of Jesus is my 
victory. Now my sins can no more condemn 



Prayer for Easier. 163 

me; for through the blood and wounds of Christ, 
and through His resurrection, I have the for- 
giveness of my sins, no matter how great or 
how numerous they mar be. Here is a full 
ransom, a complete redemption. In Christ we 
have the redemption through His blood, namely, 
the forgiveness of sins. Death cannot harm 
me; for Christ has overcome death, and has 
made my death a sweet slumber, yea, a going 
to the Father. Satan is a vanquished foe; 
though he roar, he cannot devour me; though 
he accuse me, Jesus intercedes for me, bestows 
upon me His righteousness, and enables me to 
stand before God justified and saved. Hell 
alarms me not; for Christ has delivered me from 
hell. He that believeth on Him shall not per- 
ish, but have everlasting life. O happy Day, O 
Day of joy, on which my salvation is confirmed 
and sealed! Jesus lives, and I also shall live: 
here, united with Him by faith; and yonder, in 
everlasting glory. 

Filled with joy by Thy resurrection, my soul 
further says: The resurrection of Jesus is my 
resurrection. Since the Head is risen, the mem- 
bers also shall rise. I shall not only rise on 
the last day like all men, but, because of 
Christ's merit and satisfaction, I shall rise as 
a child of God and a joint-heir with Christ. 
Therefore I fear not the orave; I regard it as 



164 For the Festivals of the Church. 

a chamber of rest, as a mother's lap, as the 
place where I shall repose till my Saviour 
says: Arise, ye dead, and appear before the 
judgment- throne. O what glory the Saviour 
has secured for me! How can I, O risen Jesus, 
sufficiently declare &&d laud and magnify Thy 
grace and mercy? the Love, which bestows 
life and salvation upon me! What was lost 
through Adam's fall is now regained. 

O my Saviour, Thy resurrection is meant to 
give me comfort in times of suffering. Thou 
layest locked in the tomb, but Thou earnest 
forth in glory; even so the night of my suffer- 
ings shall pass away, and Thy sun of joy and 
grace and help and refreshing shall shine for 
me again. Thou remainedst, O Jesus, but three 
days in the grave; so also shall my tribulations 
have an end; the weary years of suffering shall 
be followed by the year of jubilee. Thou ro- 
sest with a glorified body; the wounds and nail- 
prints were no longer bloody or painful, but 
lustrous like the sun; so shall my body be 
glorified and transformed when Thou wakest 
me from the dust. I shall receive again my 
former body, and in my flesh I shall see God. 
The body whose members have served Thee here 
shall be made partaker of the heavenly splendor, 
and be glorified. Yea, because Thou livest, O 






Hymn for Easter. 165 

Jesus, I have in Thee a faithful, constant 
Friend, who will provide for me in life, pre- 
serve me in sufferings, defend me against my 
foes, gladden me in sorrow, refresh me in death, 
guard me in the grave, receive me into glory, 
and adorn me with the promised crown of life. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 

8. 7. D. 

Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Hearts to heaven, and voices raise; 
Sing to God a hymn of gladness, 

Sing to God a hymn of praise. 
He who on the cross a victim 

For the world's salvation bled, t 
Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, 

Now is risen from the dead. 

Now the iron bars are broken; 

Christ from death to life is born,— 
Glorious life, and life immortal, 

On this holy Easter morn. 
Christ hath triumphed, and we conquer 

By his mighty enterprise: 
We with Christ to life external 

By His resurrection rise. 

Christ is risen, we are risen: 
Shed on us Thy heavenly grace, 

Bain, and dew, and gleams of glory, 
From the brightness of Thy face; 



166 For the Festivals of the Church. 

That we, Lord, with hearts in heaven, 
Here on earth may fruitful be, 

And by angel-hands be gathered, 
And be ever safe with Thee. 

— Christopher Wordsworth, Z865, 



EVENING PRAYER FOR EASTER. 

O living Saviour! Lord Jesus Christ! Abide 
with me; for it is toward evening, and the day 
is far spent. Great is Thy grace to me! For 
Thou hast not only permitted me once again to 
celebrate in health the joyful festival of Thy 
triumphant resurrection, — a mercy for which I 
owe Thee endless thanks; but Thou hast also, 
as my living Saviour, caused most comforting 
truths to be proclaimed to me and to be brought 
home to my heart. Let not the tokens of Thy 
love to me cease. Abide with me in mercy, and 
hearken to the prayer with which I come to Thee 
before I fall asleep. 

With the first glimpse of the day, when I 
thought of Thy blessed resurrection, I prayed 
fervently that Thou wouldest let Thy life be 
manifest in me. If, because of any defect in me. 
Thou canst not grant the prayer I uttered, O 
do Thou Thyself produce in me the needed 
change, that I may be made partaker of the 
coveted joy. As long as I remain dead in sin 
and am not risen to newness of life, I cannot 



Evening Prayer for Easter. 167 

live in Thee, nor manifest in my outward con- 
duct the life which flows from Thee. Therefore 
do Thou reveal to me the real condition of my 
soul, and bring me to such a state as will make 
me in time and eternity Thine own. Cry out to 
me: Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from 
the dead, and I will give Thee light. Let me 
hearken to this Thy voice, that I may arise and 
come to Thee, and may yield my heart to the 
operations of Thy grace. 

Work in me the spiritual resurrection, that I 
may no longer lie dead in my sins. I cannot do 
this by my own power; for even though I dili- 
gently read what is calculated to edify me, and 
listen attentively to those who show me the way, 
I cannot by my own power become a new man 
nor live in Thee. It is Thy work; Thou 
must do it. Thou must work in me both to 
will and to do of Thy good pleasure. There- 
fore let Thy grace awaken me from the sleep 
of sin which has hitherto enveloped and fettered 
me, Enable me to put away all fear of men, 
and to seek Thee with all my powers. Let me, 
by an inner denial, give up my own ease and 
everything that would hinder me from coming 
to Thee, so that I may obtain and keep the true 
and real life in Thee. As Thou didst fit Thyself 
for Thy resurrection by taking back Thy noble 
life out of the power of death, so do Thou also 



168 For the Festivals of the Church. 

fit me for my spiritual resurrection by bestow- 
ing new life on me. Give to my intellect a 
clearer understanding of the way in which I 
should walk. Give to my will a greater ability 
to do what is pleasing to Thee. Pour into my 
heart better and purer motives for all my ac- 
tions. Let me do all things to Thy honor and 
glory. Endow me with obedient willingness to 
follow Thy example and to conform my mind to 
Thine. If Thou, O my Saviour, wilt grant these 
requests, then shall I be able to rise and to 
prove that I am a new creature. 

But as Thou, after Thy blessed resurrection, 
not only hadst a glorified body, but didst live in 
a manner altogether different from that which 
characterized Thee before; so let me, when I 
have spiritually risen with Thee, feel and per- 
ceive this newly received life in me. Let others 
also perceive it. Let every one see by my godly 
conversation, my blameless walk, and my good 
works done to please Thee, that I am no longer 
darkness, but light in the Lord; that I have been 
called out of darkness, and, in obedience to the 
call, have been translated out of darkness into 
Thy marvelous light. Let me from this time 
forth deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and 
live righteously, soberly, and godly in this pres- 
ent world. Let me cut loose from the world and 
live for Thee alone, so that Thou mayest ever 



Morning Prayer for Ascension Day. 169 

live in me. Preserve me from falling asleep 
again after Thou, Lord Jesus, lias awakened 
me. Keep my eyes constantly open and watch- 
ful, that I may not lose my new spiritual life, 
but may he changed in Thy image from glory 
to glory, till at last I shall be united and live 
with Thee for evermore. Amen. 



THE CHRISTIAN MEDITATES UPOX THE 
ASCEXSIOX OF JESUS CHRIST. 

MORNING PRAYER FOR ASCEXSIOX DAY. 

ETERNAL Highpriest, glorified Jesus, who 
art holy, undefiled, and separate from 
sinners! Having made atonement for 
our sins, Thou ascendest into heaven, yea, 
above the heaven of heavens, and preparest for 
Thy redeemed ones a place, to which they shall 
come when they have finished their course in 
faith. Thou prayest for them, and wilt gather 
them at last to Thyself, that where Thou art, 
there they also may be eternally. 

I, too, belong to those whom Thou hast bought 
and redeemed with Thy precious blood ; for Thy 
blood, flowing from Thy wounded side, was shed 
for all. O Iioav I rejoice over Thy triumphant 
ascension, because thereby Thou preparest the 



170 For the Festivals of the Church. 

way for rue, and showest me the place to which 
I shall come, if I part from this life as Thy 
servant! O how I rejoice as I now awake, and 
in spirit hear the hosts of heaven singing, "Alle- 
luia ; for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth " ! 
For I too, when I shall have died in peace, and 
shall have entered that joyful kingdom to which 
Thou hast paved the way for me by Thy ascen- 
sion to Thy Father and my Father, to Thy God 
and my God, shall join that glad refrain, and 
unite with those perfect spirits in singing to 
Thee hymns of praise and thanksgiving. 

But inasmuch as Thy ascension, O Prince of 
Life, can avail me nothing, if I remain in the 
bondage of sin ; and Thy victory over death and 
sin and hell can profit me nothing, unless I also 
contend against these enemies of my soul; since 
I cannot attain to the heavenly glory upon which 
Thou hast entered, unless I be heavenly in mind : 
I beseech Thee, O dearest Saviour, to grant me 
grace and strength to enter upon the new spirit- 
ual life, and to set my affection on things above. 
To this end, do Thou kindle within me a fervent 
desire to know the treasures of grace which Thou 
hast acquired by Thy sufferings and death, and 
by Thy ascension and sitting at the right hand 
of the Father, — treasures which are described 
in Thy divine Word; so that I may be incited 
to love Thee truly, and to prefer Thee above 



Morning Prayer for Ascension Day. 171 

all else. And then, when I have known the 
glory, the righteousness, the peace, and the 
grace which Thou hast acquired for me, let me 
diligently seek to enter into true and hearty 
fellowship with Thee. Give me a living faith, 
which will hide me in Thy wounds and Thee in 
my heart, and Avhich will unite me so intimately 
with Thee, that I shall live in Thee and Thou in 
me. Let me enjoy constant communion with 
Thee, pray fervently and unceasingly, and so un- 
weariedly employ my thoughts with Thee, that 
where my treasure is, there my heart may be also. 
Guard me against losing this heavenly dis- 
position through love of the world. Keep me 
from seeking after earthly things which would 
burden my spirit, weigh me down to the earth, 
and make me unfit for heaven. Let me con- 
stantly direct my heart to that place where I 
long to be for ever ; and let me desire to depart 
solely in order that I may be with Thee. Lead me 
thus by Thy side as long as I must continue, in 
accordance with Thy will, to dwell in this vale 
of tears. And when I have closed my eyes, and 
yielded up my spirit into Thy hands, take me 
unto Thyself in heaven. O how beautiful, how 
lovely, how glorious, how peaceful I shall then 
be with Thee! I confidently hope to live with 
Thee for ever. Let not my hope be put to shame. 
Satisfy my longing, and let me to-day yet be 



172 For the Festivals of the Church. 

placed in the desired state of grace, and stead- 
fastly remain in it: so that when I die, I may 
behold Thy face, and when I awake again, I 
may be satisfied with Thy likeness; and that 
then I may never more be removed from Thy 
side. Amen. 

MEDITATION FOR ASCENSION DAY. 

John 20: 17. I ascend unto my Father, and your Father ; 
and to my God and your God. 

The contemplation of the Ascension of Christ 
cannot fail to be comforting and edifying to the 
believing soul. (1) It assures him of the cer- 
tainty of his redemption. Since the Conquering 
Prince returns to heaven, the place from which 
He has come, it follows that He has completed 
the work for which He came to earth. In His 
conception and birth, He came forth from the 
Father; and now, in His ascension, He returns 
to the Father, having acquired for men peace, 
joy, forgiveness of sins, righteousness, and sal- 
vation. 

The ascension (2) reminds the believer of the 
fact, that here we have no continuing city, but 
we seek one to come. Neither the godly nor 
the wicked abide permanently upon the earth. 
The godly do not desire to remain, because they 
look for better things; and the wicked, though 
they desire to do so, cannot remain. For it is 



Prayer for Ascension Day. 173 

appointed unto men once to die; and after that, 
the judgment. Since men cannot have a per- 
manent home upon earth, the godly direct 
their thoughts to their eternal home. (3) The 
believers daily remind themselves of the fact, 
that they must leave behind them their house, 
their clothes, their goods, their dear ones. (4) 
In order that, when the hour of their deliv- 
erance from the struggles of this life comes, they 
may find a place waiting for them in glory, they 
daily ascend in thought to heaven, and keep 
heaven present in their minds. They cease to 
love the world, and cling to Christ in faith. 
They forsake the world by no longer living ac- 
cording to its will and customs, but accord- 
ing to the Avill of God. (5) Therefore, when 
they think of heaven, they say to themselves, 
Yonder is my Fatherland, my heritage, and my 
eternal home. 

PRAYER FOR ASCENSION DAY. 

God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with 
the sound of the trumpet. Sing praises to God ; 
sing praises to our King. Thus, O my Jesus, 
mighty victorious Prince, I celebrate Thy ascen- 
sion, by which, having finished the work of re- 
deeming the human race, Thou enteredst into 
Thy glory. All our foes, the devil, the world, 
sin, and death lie prostrate beneath Thy feet. 



174 For the Festivals of the Church. 

Thou hast delivered us from them. When Thou 
hadst Thyself purged our sins, Thou sattest down 
on the right hand of the Majesty on high. 

My Jesus, all this is a great comfort to me; 
and I rejoice over it from my inmost soul. As 
Thy coming to earth brought joy, so Thy ascen- 
sion brings consolation. Thou sittest at the 
right hand of God and intercedest for us. Con- 
sequently, when I pray, I pray not alone. Thy 
Spirit prays in me, and Thou prayest for me. 
And thus my poor weak prayer is graciously 
heard for thy sake. 

I rejoice when I think of Thy words : " I go 
to prepare a place for you; that where I am, 
there ye may be also." My soul is refreshed 
by the knowledge that Thou hast prepared a 
place for me, and that, when I die, I shall enter 
that place and dwell in it for ever. Thou art 
crowned with glory and honor, and hast laid up 
for me a crown of righteousness, which Thou, 
the righteous Judge, wilt give to all them that 
love Thy appearing. Thou hast entered upon 
Thy kingdom, and rulest over heaven and earth, 
in the realms of nature, of grace, and of glory. 
And some day Thou wilt say to me, as well as to 
all the believers : Come, ye blessed of My Father ; 
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the 
foundation of the world. 



Prayer for Ascension Day. 175 

Thou didst, according to Thy human nature, 
obtain gifts for men, that Thou mightest bestow 
them upon us, Thy brethren who believe in Thee. 

inv Jesus, give to me a twofold gift which I 
sorely need : Give me here on earth Thy Holy 
Spirit, — godliness, purity, meekness, humility, 
Thy righteousness, sonship with God, life, and 
peace ; and at last giye me also the eternal bless- 
edness and glory of heayen. Since Thou, my 
Head, art exalted, I know that Thou wilt draw 
me after Thee. Since Thy Spirit giyes me life, 

1 shall dwell eternally with Thee. O what con- 
solation, what joy, what glory is this which my 
Sayiour promises to His disciples : "Where I 
am, there my seryant shall be also." O my 
Jesus, let me be where Thou art; draw me after 
Thee. Thou sittest at the right hand of God: 
bring me to the company of the holy angels and 
the elect; let me behold the glory which Thou 
hast prepared for the belieyers. 

And although, O dearest Friend of my soul, 
Thou hast removed from me Thy visible pres- 
ence, Thou art still with me invisibly in accord- 
ance with Thy promise, "Lo, I am with you al- 
way, even unto the end of the world." There- 
fore I am content; for I know that Thou art 
with me in my hours of need. Thou deliverest 
me from danger, Thou refreshest me in afflic- 



176 For the Festivals of the Church. 

tions, Thou comfortest me in sorrow, Thou 
guardest me against adversities. I am, there- 
fore, of good courage : Jesus is on my side ; I will 
not fear: what can man do unto me? Though 
I see Thee not, yet I love Thee, and I know that 
I shall one day behold Thee and rejoice in Thee 
with unspeakable joy. I shall see Thee after 
death, when my soul ascends to heaven; and I 
shall see Thee with these eyes on the last day, 
when I rise from the dead. To this end, I will 
daily ascend in thought to heaven, and behold 
with the eye of faith my future home, my future 
crown, my abiding place, my robe of white. I 
will, as long as I am still on earth, forsake the 
world with my heart, with my love, with my life : 
I will shun all its vanities, habits, and sins, be- 
cause these would hinder my ascension. In this 
way I will live, while I live, unto the Lord; and 
when I die, I shall die in the Lord. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Hail the day that sees Him rise, 
Glorious, to His native skies! 
Christ, awhile to mortals given, 
Re-ascends His native heaven. 

There the glorious triumph waits; 
Lift your heads, eternal gates! 
Wide unfold the radiant scene; 
Take the King of Glory in ! 



7s, 



Evening Prayer for Ascension Day. 117 

Him though highest heaven receives, 
Still He loves the earth He leaves; 
Though returning to His throne, 
Still He calls mankind His own. 

See, He lifts His hands above! 
See, He shows the prints of love! 
Hark, His gracious lips bestow 
Blessings on His Church below! 

Still for us His death He pleads; 
Prevalent, He intercedes: 
Near Himself prepares our place, 
Harbinger of human race. 

There we shall with Thee remain, 
Partners of Thy endless reign; 
There Thy face unclouded see, 
Find our heaven of heavens in Thee. 

— C. Wesley, 1739. a. 
EVENING PRAYER FOR ASCENSION DAY. 

Living and exalted Saviour! Thou hast as- 
cended on high, and in Thy human nature art 
set down on the right hand of the majesty of 
God. By Thy Ascension, as well as by Thy In- 
carnation, Thou hast ennobled my human nature, 
and acquired for me a title to heaven. For this 
I laud and praise and thank Thee. 

But I beseech Thee, let the purpose of Thy as- 
cension, — that all believers may be forever where 

Thou art, and be one with Thee as Thou with 
12 



178 For the Festivals of the Church. 

the Father art One, — be accomplished in me. 
What joy fills my heart at the thought of this 
purpose! O let it be fulfilled in me, that my joy 
may be unending. Let me, O merciful Lord, here 
in this world already enjoy the blessedness of a 
true union with Thee. Let me, as a member of 
Thy body, be inseparably united with Thee, my 
Head. Let me attain in Thee power and strength 
and increase unto all good works, and remain 
united with Thee forever. 

To this end, let me be one with Thee and all 
believers with respect to the blessings which 
Thou hast acquired for us by Thy sufferings and 
death: let me share with them in those bless- 
ings, and thus obtain peace, forgiveness of sins, 
righteousness, access to the throne of grace, and 
the assurance of eternal life. 

Let me be one in spirit with Thee and all be- 
lievers. Let Thy Spirit, and not the world's 
spirit, lead me. Let Him enlighten, sanctify, 
rule and glorify me, and unite me with Thee, 
even as Thou art united with the Father in one 
Spirit and Life. Let me be one in love with 
all believers. Let me love them with all sin- 
cerity and constancy, and wish and do to them 
only such things as I would have them wish and 
do to me. And since love is the bond of per- 
fectness, in which all those virtues which are be- 
coming to the Christian are embraced, and 



Evening Prayer for Ascension Day. 179 

through which they must be exercised, let my 
love for them be fervent and steadfast. 

As Thou art united with the Father in un- 
speakable love, so let me be united with Thee 
and Him. Let me fervently love Thee and Him 
who hath sent Thee, and consecrate to Thee and 
to Him my will, my understanding, my desires, 
and my entire being. If Thou wilt grant me this 
grace, exalted Lord, then shall I be truly happy 
both during my journey upon earth and after its 
completion. If through Thy Spirit I attain to 
union with Thee, then Thou art mine, and I 
am Thine; and then I shall always be sure of 
Thy help, favor, love, and blessing. Then can 
I ever lean on Thee; I need fear no ill; I can 
hope for every good thing from Thee. O what 
blessedness is mine! 

Xor shall this blessedness depart from me 
when I cease to live on earth. On the contrary, 
it shall reach a higher stage and a greater de- 
gree of perfection. For when, resting in the 
arms in which Thou boldest me constantly 
as Thine own, I close my eyes and yield 
up my spirit, Thou wilt transform my soul, and 
receive it unto Thyself in glory. The Head can 
not forsake its members. Thou wilt unite me 
with Thee forever, and let me taste at Thy side 
joy and rapture and bliss. Thou wilt give me 



180 For the Festivals of the Church. 

the place which, by Thy death and Thy ascen- 
sion, Thon hast prepared for me in Thy and 
my Father's kingdom, and wilt lead me into 
the everlasting habitations of peace. 

O what blessedness is therefore in store for 
me, when I shall have become one with Thee, as 
Thou art one with the Father! What happiness 
awaits me, when I shall have attained to Thy 
fellowship! I already rejoice in anticipation 
of that blessed state. O let my rejoicing not be 
in vain, but unite me with Thee during this 
life, so that here on earth I may have a foretaste 
of heaven, and that there in eternity I may, to- 
gether with all believers, remain united with 
Thee and Thy Father and the Holy Spirit for- 
ever. Assure me, through Thy Holy Spirit, be- 
fore I fall asleep, that my prayer has been heard. 
Let it not have come before Thee in vain; but 
let me henceforth and forever be and remain one 
with Thee. Amen. 



Morning Prayer for Pentecost. 181 



THE CHRISTIAN MEDITATES UPON THE 

OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY 

GHOST. 

MORNING PRAYER FOR PENTECOST. 

O Spirit of Grace! who from eternity pro- 
eeeclest from the Father and the Son, 
and who, after the ascension of Jesus, 
wast poured out visibly upon the apostles in or- 
der to fit them for their holy office ! I rejoice to- 
day in Thy outpouring ; and I beseech Thee, enter 
into my heart also, and fit it to be a temple of the 
living God. Enable me to apprehend that eternal 
life for which I was created, and for which I 
was purchased by my Saviour. Thou art the 
earnest of our adoption and of our inheritance. 
Do Thou therefore dwell within me, and assure 
me that I am a child of God, and have a share 
in the inheritance of the saints in light. 

But in order that I may not deceive myself 
with vain delusions, let me experience Thy sanc- 
tifying operations and the tokens of Thy in- 
dwelling. Work in me true quietness of heart 
and mind, that I may take no pleasure in the 
tumult and sinful unrest of the world, but may 
flee them and find my delight in Thee alone. 
Cleanse my heart from all impurity, wickedness, 
and sin, and let me with each year and week 



182 For the Festivals of the Church. 

and day become more pure. Purge me more and 
more from all that is evil ; and let it be mani- 
fest to myself and to others that an improvement 
has taken place in me. And because without 
holiness I shall not see the Lord, sanctify me 
wholly. Kindle in me the true light which I 
still lack, that I may grow in the knowledge of 
God, have a desire more fully to understand 
the ways of heaven, and employ all diligence to 
walk in them without growing weary in well- 
doing. 

Let me recognize thoroughly my own wretched 
and lost condition and the need in which I 
languish, that I may be brought to true humility 
of heart. Let me appreciate the blessedness and 
glory to which I attain through Thy gracious 
indwelling, that I may be hiled with greater love 
for Thee. Let love make me obedient to Thy will, 
and prompt me to yield my heart to Thy gracious 
operations. Let me not resist Thy grace, but 
permit Thee to restrain me from all evil, and 
to incite me to all that is good. Let me ever obey 
Thy promptings, and follow Thy guidance. Lead 
me in the land of uprightness. Let me ever walk 
on the strait and narrow way that leadeth unto 
life. 

And when Thou, O blessed Holy Spirit, hast 
thus worked in me, and manifested Thy power, 
and kept me faithful ; then let me, like the apos- 



Meditation for Pentecost. 183 

ties after Thou didst rest on them, speak with 
new tongues, so that every one may hear that the 
old sinful, unseemly words, which are so un- 
becoming to a Christian, have been removed far 
from my lips. Let all who associate with me 
perceive that I have become a new creature and 
am Thy child. Sanctify me ever more and more, 
that my spirit and body may remain Thy tem- 
ple. Let me here in this world attain the firm 
assurance of my salvation, possess the righteous- 
ness of Christ and the divine peace acquired by 
Him, and find my joy in Thee. And let me in 
the next world obtain an inheritance incorrupt- 
ible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, eternal 
in the heavens. Give me a glorious crown and a 
beauteous robe of white ; and let me there praise 
Thee, together with the Father and the Son, for 
evermore. Amen. 

MEDITATION FOR PENTECOST. 

Luke 11 : 13. If ye then, being evil, know how to 
give good gifts unto your children ; how much more 
shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to 
them that ask Him? 

Not only has God, in His pitying love, planned 
from all eternity to bestow good things upon 
us; and not only has Jesus purchased us with 
His precious blood : but the Holy Spirit, who is 
the most glorious, needful, and blessed gift of 



184 For the Festivals of the Church. 

God, desires to lead, sanctify, and govern us in 
this vale of tears. 

The Holy Spirit (1) is the most glorious gift; 
for what greater thing could God do for us, 
than give us His Spirit to be our Leader and 
Guide? God, in His infinite love, is not satisfied 
simply to let His holy angels accompany us and 
keep us in all our ways, but would haye His 
Holy Spirit dwell within us, so that body and 
soul may be thoroughly guarded and kept. The 
Holy Spirit (2) is also the most needful gift. 
We may be happy without possessing great 
wealth or honors; but without the Holy Spirit 
we cannot be truly happy either here or in eter- 
nity. Consequently, the Holy Spirit (3) is also 
the most blessed gift. He is the earnest of our 
inheritance and the seal of our sonship, through 
whom we are assured that we are the children 
of God and heirs of eyerlasting life. We need 
Him sorely in all times of sadness, tribulation, 
and temptation; for in such times He giyes us 
the assurance that we are still under grace. 
And when we know not what we should pray 
for as we ought, He Himself maketh interces- 
sion for us with groanings which cannot be 
uttered. 

This glorious, needful, and blessed gift (4) God 
will giye to all who ask Him. We haye no 
such promise of God with regard to bodily and 



Prayer for Pentecost. 185 

earthly things, because these are not always good 
for us ; but the gift of His Holy Spirit God will 
never refuse. (5) A devout Christian purifies 
his heart from the love of the world and of sin, 
that the good and pure Spirit of God may dwell 
in him. 

PRAYER FOR PENTECOST. 

I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and 
floods upon the dry ground : I will pour my 
Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon 
thine offspring: and they shall spring up as 
among the grass, as willows by the water courses. 
O dearest Jesus, this promise Thou didst ful- 
fill upon the day of Pentecost, when Thou didst 
pour out Thy Spirit abundantly upon the 
apostles, and thus fit them for their work of 
proclaiming grace, the forgiveness of sins 
through Thy blood, and everlasting salvation to 
all nations. Faithful Saviour! Bestow upon me 
also this glorious gift. 

O blessed Holy Spirit! Shed Thyself abun- 
dantly over me, as Thou didst shed Thyself in 
flames of fire upon the Apostles. Enlighten me 
unto life eternal. Illumine my understanding, 
that I may know Jesus Christ. Sanctify my 
will, that I may desire nothing but what is pleas- 
ing to Thee. As the apostles were filled with 
power from on high, so do Thou, O Spirit of 



186 For the Festivals of the Church. 

Power, confirm my faith, and give me courage 
and strength to walk in Thy w^ys. to overcome 
the world, to resist sin. and to live as a true 
child of God. Make me. blessed Rain, fruitful 
unto all good works; revive me in the heat of 
temptation ; and grant that I may bring forth 
abundantly in my life the fruits of faith. 

O Spirit of grace and of prayer! give me the 
comfort and joy of knowing that I stand in the 
grace of God. Pray with me and in me; teach 
me to pray fervently; encourage me to devotion 
and the praise of God. Rest upon me, Thou 
Spirit of Wisdom, that I may know and do what 
is pleasing to God. Rest upon me. Thou Spirit of 
Understanding, that I may walk in Thy truth, 
Unite my heart to fear Thy name. Guard my 
understanding against error; dispel from it all 
the darkness of ignorance and selfishness; and 
kindle within me the light of Thy grace, that 
I may daily increase in Thy love and knowledge, 
Rest upon me. Thou Spirit of the Fear of God : 
plant holy fear within my heart, that I may 
never again consciously and wilfully commit sin. 
Rest upon me. Thou Spirit of Love, and take 
from my heart all anger, stubbornness, envy, 
malice, and revenge. 

Be my Comforter in affliction and sorrow, 
when the floods threaten to overwhelm me and 
the waves roll over hit head. Be my Strength 






Prayer for Pentecost. 187 

when I am weak : help me to subdue the lusts of 
the flesh ; and let faith, love, humility, hope, and 
patience increase in me. Be my Guide to lead 
me always in the right way, that I may not 
stumble nor fall nor transgress the commands 
of God. Be my Teacher, to lead me into all truth, 
and to glorify Jesus in me. O Thou pure Water, 
cleanse me from all evil. Let me increase in all 
that is good, and bring forth fruit abundantly. 
Grant, that by Thy Strength I may truly call 
Jesus Lord, and may own Him as my Jesus, my 
Redeemer, my Saviour, the ground of my salva- 
tion. 

Behold, O Thou Light of my soul, how I am 
surrounded in this world with temptations ; for 
many deceivers have gone forth. Guard me, lest 
I stray from Thee. Cause me to know the way 
in which I should walk; for I lift up my soul 
unto Thee. If I follow my own ways, I shall 
err; but if Thou leadest me, I shall walk in the 
way of Thy statutes. 

O blessed Holy Spirit, if I have hitherto 
grieved Thee, I sincerely repent. Behold, my 
heart is open for Thee; I beseech Thee, enter 
in, and endow it with the rich gifts of Thy 
grace. Fill it with all Christian virtues. Es- 
tablish and confirm me in the faith. Do Thou, 
who hast begun a good work in me, perform it 
until the day of Jesus Christ. O create in me a 



188 For the Festivals of the Church. 

clean heart. Destroy in me all evil habits and 
ways, and all dominion of sin over me. Take 
away the heart of stone, and give me a heart 
that is hallowed and changed by Thy grace. 
Dwell within me. Let my heart be Thy tem- 
ple and habitation. Then shall I have the 
earnest of my inheritance and of my divine son- 
ship, and shall know for a certainty that eternal 
salvation is mine. 

Abide with me, O Holy Spirit, in every time 
of need and in the hour of death. Speak in 
me, crying, Abba, Father. Give me a glimpse 
of the bliss and a foretaste of the eternal joy 
which shall be mine, when I have finished the 
fight and receive the crown, when the sorrows of 
earth shall give place to the happiness of heaven. 
Amen. 



HYMN. 

Holy Ghost, with light divine 
Shine upon this heart of mine! 
Chase the shades of night away, 
Turn the darkness into day. 

Let me see my Saviour's face, 
Let me all His beauties trace; 
Show those glorious truths to me, 
Which are only known to Thee. 

Holy Ghost, with power divine, 
Cleanse this guilty heart of mine: 



7s. 



Evening Prayer for Pentecost. 189 

In Thy mercy pity me, 

From sin's bondage set me free. 

Holy Ghost, with joy divine. 
Cheer this saddened heart of mine ; 
Yield a sacred, settled peace, 
Let it grow and still increase. 

Holy Spirit, all divine, 
Dwell within this heart of mine; 
Cast down every idol throne, 
Keign supreme, and reign alone. 

See, to Thee I yield my heart ; 
Shed Thy life through every part. 
A pure temple I would be, 
Wholly dedicate to Thee. 

—Andrew Reed, 1817. a. 
EVENING PRAYER FOR PENTECOST. 

"Come, Holy Spirit, Come! Let Thy bright 
beams arise. Dispel the sorrow from my mind, 
the darkness from my eyes. Eevive my droop- 
ing faith ; my doubts and fears remove ; and 
kindle in my breast the flame of never-dying love. 
Convince me of my sin, then lead to Jesus' blood; 
and to my wondering view reveal the secret love 
of God. 'Tis Thine to cleanse the heart, to sanc- 
tify the soul, to pour fresh life on every part, and 
new create the whole. Dwell, therefore, in my 
heart, my mind from bondage free; then shall I 



190 For the Festivals of the Church. 

know and praise and lore the Father, Son, and 
Thee." 

AYith these words, O Comforter in sorrow, 
Thou blessed Holy Spirit, I pray for Thy gra- 
cious indwelling and Thy heavenly gifts before 
I retire to rest; for I have been convinced to- 
day, how willingly Thou buildest a tabernacle 
among men. Make my heart, which longs 
for Thee, Thy tabernacle. Glorify Jesus in 
my soul, that I may love and cling to Him, 
and thus obtain power to become a child of 
God and a temple of God. Let me appreciate 
Christ's person and work, and the grace which 
He has acquired for me, so that I may accept 
Him as my only Eedeemer, and may seek and 
find forgiveness in His name. Let His virtues 
and holy conversation, which are meant for my 
imitation, be manifest in me. Let His glory, — 
His meekness, holiness, purity, love, sincerity 
and truth, — be reflected in me, and shine as a 
bright light in all my conduct. Let me behold 
the majesty and glory which, in His state of hu- 
miliation, He voluntarily laid aside for my sake, 
but which He resumed after the work of re- 
demption was completed, and with which He is 
clothed as He now sits at the right hand of His 
heavenly Father; so that I may see in Him the 
only Mediator between God and myself, and 
may pray to Him and serve Him. 



Evening Prayer for Pentecost > i9i 

If Thou wilt glorify .Jesus in me, I shall be 
united with Him by faith, be conformed to His 
image by fellowship with Him, and, following 
Him, be led to the Jerusalem aboye. O Spirit 
of Grace, help me to obtain this blessedness. 
Work in me a true and liying faith; perform 
and finish in me all that I need in order to at- 
tain Christ's image and to become His own. 
Hear my cry, give ear to my supplications, ac- 
cept my prayer, and grant me the grace which I 
seek. 

Then, when Thou hast glorified Jesus in me, 
let me bear witness of Him, as the apostles did 
after Thou wast poured out upon them abun- 
dantly. Let me bear witness of Him in my 
entire life, by obedience to His Word and will. 
Let me receiye Him into my heart, acknowl- 
edge Him as the true Messiah and God, belieye 
in Him, and serye Him. Let me testify of Him 
with my mouth, praise Him in secret and in 
public, and always confess Him, so that He also 
may confess me before His heayenly Father. 
Let me bear witness of Him also in my suffer- 
ings. Let me be cheerful, hope and trust in 
Him, and wait upon Him. Finally, let me bear 
witness of Him in my death: let me be faithful 
to Him in that hour, and in faith look for the 
rrown of life at His hands. 



192 For the Festivals of the Church. 

If Thou wilt enable me thus constantly to 
bear witness of my Saviour, then will He con- 
fess me, and give me a white stone, and in the 
stone a new nanie written. how happy, how 
blessed I shall then be! O Spirit of Jesus, grant 
me this blessedness; I trust in Thee, let me 
not be ashamed. I surrender myself to Thee. 
O lead me to heaven, and let me never stray 
aside into wrong paths. Amen. 



THE CHRISTIAN MEDITATES UPON THE 
MYSTERY OF THE HOLY TRINITY. 

MORNING PRAYER FOR TRINITY SUNDAY. 

HOLY, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; 
the whole earth is full of His glory. 
In these words, as I arise from sleep, 
I justly praise Thy glorious name, O adorable 
God, who hast revealed and manifested Thy- 
self as One in Essence, yet distinct in Persons. 
This day, which Thy goodness has permitted 
me to see, moves me to reflect upon the great 
mystery of the Godhead, and to employ it for my 
profit. O grant me grace to accomplish my 
purpose! Manifest Thyself to me as my God, 
that I may be prompted and encouraged to 
approve myself as Thy obedient creature. 






Morning Prayer for Trinity Sunday. 193 

Father of Mercies. Thy hand created me; Thy 
power fashioned me in my mother's womb, and 
caused me to see the light of day. Thou hast 
granted me life and favor, and Thy visitation 
hath preserved my spirit. let not Thy faith- 
fulness toward me cease, but deal with me con- 
tinually as a loving Father. Let me, however, 
always conduct myself toward Thee with child- 
like humility and reverence, and thus by Thy 
grace reach the highest degree of perfection. 

Only begotten Son of the Highest, Jesus 
Christ, my Mediator and Saviour! cease not to 
hold Thy merit and blood before Thy Father, 
whenever, by reason of His just anger against 
my transgressions, misdeeds, and sins. He would 
condemn and cast me from Him. Cease not, O 
eternal Highpriest, to intercede for me, and to 
gladden me with Thy heavenly blessing. Cease 
not Thy work in me. and grow not weary of 
calling me to repentance, till Thy image is 
formed in me and my heart has become Thy 
dwelling. Let none of Thy redeemed ones be 
Inst. Let me have life in Thee, and have it 
more abundantly. 

Spirit of Grace! have mercy upon me. and be 
not far from me with Thy gifts. When I 
mourn, comfort and revive my poor soul. 
When I stumble, hold me up and help me upon 

13 



194 For the Festivals of the Church, 

my feet. When I stray, lead me back to the 
right way. When I pray, pray with me: teach 
me how to pray, and give "to my weak words 
power to move my Father in heaven, to touch 
His heart with compassion, and to bring me 
help from Him. 

O Triune God! deal with me thus; then will 
I praise Thy name, spread abroad Thy glory, 
live according to Thy will, and at last, at Thy 
call, leave this wretched world with joy, and 
look for the gracious reward of Thy mercy for 
my faithfulness. 

If my depraved reason would awake in me 
all manner of doubts, as if Thou, O Hid- 
den God, who dwellest in the light which no 
man approacheth unto, couldest not be one in 
Essence and yet three in Persons; then let me 
take my reason captive to the obedience of 
faith, and refuse to listen to its objections. 
Strengthen my faith in Thee, and let me cling 
so firmly to Thy revelations and testimonies, 
that the gates of hell may not be able to pre- 
vail against me nor rob me of my faith. If my 
indolent flesh and blood be unwilling to follow 
Thee and to live according to Thy will, then give 
me, from Thy inexhaustible divine fulness, 
power and ability to subject myself to Thee, and 
to obey Thee in all my life. 



Meditation for Trinity Sunday. 195 

Let me show my faith by my works, adding 
to my faith virtue; aud to virtue, knowledge; 
and to knowledge, temperance; and to temper- 
ance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and 
to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to broth- 
erly kindness, charity. Thus let me live before 
Thee in holiness and righteousness, and finally 
pass from faith to sight. Then, when I shall 
see Thee face to face, I shall, with all the elect, 
praise Thee forever, even as I now already 
praise Thy holy name. Amen. 

MEDITATION FOR TRINITY SUNDAY. 

I. John 5 : 7. For there are three that bear record 
in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost : 
and these three are one. 

When a devout person wishes to reflect upon 
the mystery of the Holy Trinity, he must do as 
one would do when he desires the benefit and use 
of the light of the sun. If he looks upon the sun 
with unshaded eyes, he blinds himself, and sees 
nothing but darkness. But if he keeps his eyes 
turned awav from the sun, he sees bv its lioht 
everything that he needs to see. 

The mystery of the Holy Trinity (1) is incom- 
prehensible to our reason. We cannot under- 
stand how one Divine Being should be Three 
Persons. For this reason many have taken 
offense at this doctrine, and believe with the 



196 For the Festivals of the Church. 

Jews that there is but one person. But (2) it is 
nevertheless a mystery clearly taught by the 
Scriptures, and is contained in many of the 
choicest passages of the Old and New Testa- 
ments. When Jesus was baptized in the Jor- 
dan, the Three Persons of the Trinity were pres- 
ent (Matt. 3:17). The works and attributes of 
the Triune God are clearly described. The de- 
vout Christian believes these words of life till, 
in the eternal world, faith shall give way to 
sight. 

In the meantime (3) he prays to the Triune 
God in true humility of heart. He thanks his 
Creator for all the benefits bestowed upon body 
and soul. He thanks his Eedeemer for freeing 
him from death, from sin, from the devil, and 
from the power of hell. He surrenders his 
heart and entire life to the Sanctifier. He ex- 
erts himself to obey the Triune God, and is con- 
fident that in the next world he shall see what 
he here believes. For blessed are they which 
have not seen, and yet have believed. 

PRAYER OX TRINITY SUNDAY. 

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts; the 
whole earth is full of His glory. With these 
words, O Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost, I join in the song of the seraphim and 
cherubim, and sing Thy power and majesty and 



Prayer on Trinity Sunday. 197 

glory. O Thou self-existent, unfathomable, and 
incomprehensible Being! My faith clings firm- 
ly and alone to Thy Holy Word, in which Thou 
hast gloriously revealed Thyself. This is life 
eternal, to know Thee the only true God, and 
Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. 

Father of all grace and mercy, who hast 
made Thyself known to me as my Father! I 
adore Thee, I honor and praise Thee. Thou art 
not only from all eternity the Father of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, but of Thee the whole family 
in heaven and earth is named. As a gracious 
and loving Father Thou hast hitherto nour- 
ished, sustained, guarded, and preserved me; 
yea, Thou dost at this very hour nourish, sus- 
tain, and preserve me. O merciful Father, 
look in mercy and compassion upon Thy child. 

Lord Jesus, Son of God! From Thy holy 
Word I have learned to know Thee as the sec- 
ond Person of the Holy Trinity, begotten of the 
Father from all eternity, God of God, Light of 
Light, very God of very God, Begotten, not 
made, being of one substance with the Father. 
I have learned to know Thee as my Brother and 
Kinsman, who tookest upon Thyself our human 
nature in order to redeem me and all men from 
sin, death, the devil, and hell. Therefore I re- 
joice in Thee, and worship Thee. Thou art my 
Righteousness, my Redeemer, my Intercessor, 



198 For the Festivals of the Church. 

my Highpriest, my Throne of Grace, my Media- 
tor, my Immanuel, my Sayiour, my Shepherd. 
In Thee I haye life, and haye it more abund- 
antly. Thou art the Paschal Lamb, who gayest 
Thyself for my sins. Through Thee I haye ac- 
cess to grace and life. In Thee I am sayed 
here in time and there in eternity. 

Blessed Holy Spirit! Thou hast reyealed Thy- 
self in Thy Word as the Third Person of the 
Godhead, who proceedest from the Father and 
the Son, who art the Spirit of the Father and 
the Son, of one substance and of equal majesty 
and glory with the Father and the Son. Thou 
hast regenerated me in Holy Baptism. Through 
Thee I haye been brought to grace, to light, and 
to the life that is of God. Thou art my Sancti- 
fier, who dost enlighten, sanctify, and preserye 
me in the true faith. Thou dost comfort me in all 
times of suffering, cheer me in sadness, and re- 
yiye me in tribulation. O Thou Spirit of grace 
and of prayer! seal in me the consolation, that 
I am in a state of grace. Bear witness with 
my spirit that I am a child of God. Arouse me 
to prayer, make me deyout in prayer, and giye 
me joy fulness after prayer. 

O come, let us worship and bow down; let 
us kneel before the Lord, the Triune God, our 
Maker: for we are His people and the sheep of 
His pasture. How unsearchable are Thy judg- 



Prayer on Trinity Sunday. 199 

ments, and Thy ways past finding out ! Of Him 
and through Him and to Him are all things. 
To Him be praise and honor and glory for ever- 
more. The Father is made of none, neither 
created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Fath- 
er alone, not made, nor created, but begotten. 
The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son, 
neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but 
proceeding. And in this Trinity none is afore, 
or after another; none is greater or less than 
another. But the whole three Persons are co- 
eternal together, and co-equal. The Father is 
God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is 
God. And yet they are not three Gods, but one 
God. The Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, and 
the Holy Ghost is Lord. And yet they are not 
three Lords, but one Lord. 

O Triune God and Lord! Let me continually 
grow and increase in this knowledge of Thee. 
Grant that I may apprehend Thee by faith, and 
hold fast Thy holy Word as my rule of faith 
and life. And what I cannot comprehend, help 
me nevertheless to believe from the heart, till 
faith shall be changed to sight. Meanwhile, 
my Father, graciously spread Thy wings over 
me, and bless me. O Jesus, wash me in Thy pre- 
cious blood, and bless me; justify and save me. 
Lord God the Holy Ghost, enlighten me, and 



200 For the Festivals of the Church. 

bless me, that I may walk in Thy light, and be 
enabled in Thy light to behold the blessed light 
of heayen. Amen. 

HYMN. 

C. M. 

With joy our yoices we unite, 

And lift our hearts aboye, 
To God, the God of power and might, 

To God, whose name is Loye. 

To Him, who us, and earth, and skies. 

With all their armies made, 
From us, from all, let anthems rise, 

To God the Father paid. 

To Him, whose death for all mankind, 

For us, redemption won, 
By us, by all, be songs combined, 

In praise to God the Son. 

To Him, who us and all His fold 

With sanctity arrays, 
To God, from all His saints enrolled, 

The Holy Ghost, be praise. 

To God, whose name His Word reyeals, 

Whom all His saints confess, 
Whose grace His faithful promise seals, 

To saye, to cleanse, to bless: 

To God, from whom all blessings flow, 

Eternal One in Three, 
From all His saints, aboye, below. 

Eternal glory be. 

— Richard Mant.iStf. a. 



Evening Prayer for Trinity Sunday. 201 

EVENING PRAYER FOR TRINITY SUNDAY. 

Holy Triune God! Ere I seek my bed, I 
come once more before Thy throne, filled with 
joy and gladness, because to-day I have heard 
and believed the blessed tidings, that Thou dost 
come and dwell in the hearts of those who love 
Thee. This I regard as the greatest honor which 
can be conferred upon a reasoning creature of 
Thine. Therefore my soul is glad and leaps for 
joy. The world, indeed, judges otherwise, and 
imagines that those are wretched beings who 
yield their heart for Thy habitation, and who 
must not only deny themselves the pleasures of 
the world, but spend their days in a constant 
conflict and strife, in order that no sin, 
not even the smallest, may gain dominion over 
them. But I know and am persuaded that it is 
well with the righteous, and that a great glory 
and salvation are prepared for them. 

1 therefore long for Thy indwelling most fer- 
vently. Come, O Triune God, into my soul, and 
dwell in me. Quicken and govern me. Make of 
me a new creature. Let me no longer live unto 
myself, but unto Him that died and rose again 
for me. I know that this indwelling is no mere 
fancy such as the world imagines it to be. Nor 
is it merely a bestowal of Thy gifts; and still 
less is it a deification of man. But Thou comest 



202 For the Festivals of the Church. 

Thyself as God and dwellest in us, not simply 
in the manner in which Thou art present with 
all the ungodly, but in a special, gracious man- 
ner, so that we are intimately united with Thee 
as the branch with the vine, as the head with 
the members, as the soul with the body. What 
unspeakable grace! How Thou dost ennoble 
those who are Thine, O God, in thus making 
them partakers of Thy Spirit and power! 
When Thou hast thus come into my soul, then 
it is no longer I that live; but Thou livest in 
me, Thou speakest through me, Thou walkest 
and workest in me. 

Let me therefore continually go in Thy 
strength, that it may always be said of me : Be- 
hold, the tabernacle of God is with men; know 
ye not that Jesus Christ dwelleth in you? This 
is the source of true blessedness, — the blessed- 
ness in which I delight, and which I anxiously 
desire. A bright light now arises within me, re- 
vealing my sins and Thy grace, and urging me 
to flee the former and seek the latter. New life 
comes to me with Thee. Now I am no longer 
weak and carried away by every sin, but can 
do all things through Thee who strengthened 
me. Now I have comfort in every time of sor- 
row, and consolation under all the vicissitudes 
and trials of life. How happy I am, therefore, 
even here in this world ! And how blessed I shall 



. Meditation for St. Michael's Day. 203 

be yonder in eternity, living in Thy fellowship 
and beholding Thee as Thou art! O grant me 
this in mercy. Let me to-day yet enter upon 
this blessed state. Let me remain in it and grow. 
Let me never again drive Thee from me, but 
remain united with Thee, till in eternity I shall 
behold Thee for evermore. Amen. 



THE CHRISTIAN, ON ST. MICHAEL'S DAY, 
MEDITATES UPON THE GUARDIAN- 
SHIP OF THE HOLY ANGELS. 

MEDITATION. 

Heb. 1 : 14. Are they not all ministering spirits, 
sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of 
salvation? 

THE holy angels were created by God for 
His service and (glory, and they con- 
tinually stand around His throne and do 
His will. If a great king were to lend His 
body-guard and servants to any one, it would be 
regarded as a token of great love and favor. (1) 
Consequently, true Christians thank God for this 
particular grace; namely, that He has not only 
given Himself with all His blessings and gifts 
for their enjoyment, and sent Jesus Christ for 
the salvation of their souls, and the Holy Ghost 
to be their Comforter and Guide, but that He 



204 For the Festivals of the Church. 

also has given them the holy angels to keep 
guard over them. Christians do not (2) drive the 
angels away by wilful sin, but cause them to 
rejoice over their repentance and godly conver- 
sation. 

Christians also (3) seek on earth to imitate 
the good example of the angels in thanking, 
praising, and serving God. Whoever here on 
earth remains a devil, that is to say, an obsti- 
nate, stiffnecked, unconverted man and brazen 
sinner till his death, cannot after death become 
like the angels. A true Christian seeks, there- 
fore, (4) in accordance with the third petition, 
to do God's will on earth as it is done in heaven, 
— at least with equal willingness and sincerity. 
(5) He does not worship the angels; for wor- 
ship is an honor which he must give to God 
alone, and not to his fellow-servants (Kev. 
19:10). (6) In this condition of faith, of love, 
of godliness, and of the fear of God, the Chris- 
tian remains steadfast to his end, knowing that 
the holy angels will not only guard him from 
harm in the path of duty, but that they will also 
stand around his death-bed, and will, when he 
has breathed his last, carry his soul into Abra- 
ham's bosom. 



Prayer for St. Michael's Day. 205 

PRAYER FOR ST. MICHAEl/S DAY. 

The angel of the Lord encampeth round about 
them that fear Him> and delivereth them. O 
loving and merciful God! how I rejoice that 
Thou hast given me Thy angels for my protec- 
tion and defence ! Lord, Lord, what is man that 
Thou art mindful of him, and the son of man 
that Thou visitest him? If it be a high honor 
for a humble man to receive a king's body-guard 
and servants to protect him, how much higher 
an honor it is for us poor human beings to receive 
the holy angels to accompany and guard us on 
our way! 

O Thou God of love! In Thine unspeakable 
goodness Thou hast not only given us all visi- 
ble creatures, heaven, earth, sun, air, sea, and 
the fruits of the earth, but hast ordained that 
Thy invisible creatures, the holy angels, should 
be our ministers, and preserve us from harm. 
Thou knowest, O loving Father, how Thy chil- 
dren on earth are surrounded by danger and sor- 
rows; for this reason Thou hast given them 
guardians to watch over and shield them by 
day and by night. Thou knowest how Thy chil- 
dren are perpetually beset by powerful foes, by 
the princes of darkness, by Satan and his hosts ; 
and hence Thou hast provided them with mighty 



206 For the Festivals of the Church. 

defenders, who are able to repel those foes and 
to guard Thy loved ones. 

my God, when weeks, months, and years 
pass away in succession, leaving me uninjured 
in body, unharmed in property, and able to go 
unmolested about my business, must I not 
ascribe all this to Thy Fatherly faithfulness, 
love, and mercy, because Thou hast kept and 
preserved me through Thy ministering spirits? 
O how many dangers, of which I was entirely 
ignorant, hast Thou not warded off through the 
mighty guardianship of Thy holy angels ! There- 
fore, my God, Thou art worthy of love and 
praise to all eternity. 

1 beseech Thee, loving Father, command Thy 
angels henceforth also to guard me, Thine own. 
As the hosts of God met and accompanied Jacob 
when he was threatened with the greatest danger 
at the hands of his brother Esau, so let them 
ward off all danger and harm from me. Sur- 
round my house with a guard of angels, like the 
house of Job; let them be with me in the hour 
of need, as with Daniel ; let them turn away all 
harm from me, as they turned away the flames 
from the three men in the fiery furnace; let 
them guard my daily supply of food, as they 
brought food and water to Elijah; let them 
encamp round about me, and accompany and as- 
sist me in my journeys, as they did Tobias. 



Hymn for Bt. Michael's Day. 207 

O merciful God, grant me Thy Holy Spirit, 
that I may not grieve Thy holy angels by my 
sins, nor drive them from me by reckless 
living. Let me not force them to forsake me 
and to flee from my wickedness. Let me imi- 
tate them in Thy service, praise, and obedience 
here in this life, that I may become like them 
in the joyful eternity. Henceforth my motto 
shall be, Thy will be done on earth, as it is 
in heaven. My God, let Thy holy angels be 
with me in death, carry my soul into Abraham's 
bosom, and accompany me to glory. Let me 
remain there forever in their fellowship and 
company, rejoice with them over Thy glory and 
majesty, join with them in the refrain, Holy, 
Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts, and thank 
and praise Thee for this, as well as for all other 
blessings of Thy grace, for ever and ever. Amen. 

HYMN. 

10s. 

Stars of the morning, so gloriously bright, 
Filled with celestial splendor and light, 
These that, where night never followeth day, 
Raise the "Thrice Holy" song ever and aye : 

These are Thy ministers, these dost Thou own, 
God of Sabaoth, the nearest Thy throne; 
These are Thy messengers, these dost Thou send, 
Help of the helpless ones ! man to defend. 



208 For the Festivals of the Church. 

These keep the guard amid Salem's dear bowers, 
Thrones, Principalities, Virtues, and Powers, 
Where, with the living Ones, mystical Four, 
Cherubim, Seraphim bow and adore. 



Still let them succor us ; still let them fight, 
Lord of angelic hosts, battling for right ; 
Till, where their anthems they ceaselessly pour, 
We with the angels may bow and adore. 

— S. Joseph, the Hymnographer .■ 
J.M.Neale, Tr. 1862. 



BOOK I 



PART III. 

PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS SPIRITUAL AND 
BODILY BENEFITS. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS FOR TEMPORAL, 

SPIRITUAL, AND ETERNAL 

BLESSINGS. 

Ps. 67 : 6, 7. God, even our own God, shall bless 
us. God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth 
shall fear Him. 

EVERY one prays for something from God. 
But when we pray, we should be careful 
how we pray and for what we pray. The 
prayers of the majority of men are simply pray- 
ers for earthly and transient things, which often 
are not a blessing but a curse. The true Chris- 
tian prays, indeed, (1) for bodily blessings also, 
such as health, prosperity, food, the warding oft* 
of danger, help in need, support in sufferings, 
and deliverance out of trouble. Such prayers 
are acceptable to God, because He has promised 
in His word to give us these things. 

But the true Christian does not stop at these 
things; for they are the lesser blessings which 

14 (209) 



210 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

are often bestowed even without our prayer. On 
the contrary (2) he prays especially for spiritual 
blessings : for the Holy Spirit, for a godly heart, 
and for the kingdom of God, which is righteous- 
ness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Kom. 
14 :17). He prays for enlightenment, growth in 
goodness, sanctiflcation, and the gifts of the 
Holy Spirit; for these are the principal things 
which he can ask or receive of God. And if 
these are bestowed upon him, he regards them 
as his greatest treasure. 

The true Christian prays (3) also for things 
eternal, for a happy end, for a blessed departure 
from this world, and for entrance into the bliss 
of heaven, that he may behold God face to face, 
and that, clothed with white robes and his con- 
flict over, he may rejoice in God forever. The 
believer must pray for spiritual and heavenly 
things, if he would pray aright and in a manner 
acceptable to God. (4) But at the same time 
he must be careful to live a blameless Christian 
life, so that God may be able to bestow these 
spiritual and heavenly blessings upon him; for 
they cannot be received by an unregenerate and 
wicked person. 

PRAYER. 

O gracious and bountiful God, how great and 
glorious, how rich and mighty art Thou! Thou 
possessest all things, and canst bestow all things. 



For Needful Blessings. 211 

Behold, I, Thy child, come to Thee, and pray 
for Thy gifts. Thou knowest that I brought 
nothing into this world, and that of myself I 
have nothing but my sinfulness. Every good 
thing I possess has come from Thee; for every 
good gift and every perfect gift is from above. 
Yea, what hast thou, O man, that Thou didst not 
receive? 

O my God and Father, make me rich in soul : 
give me Thy Holy Spirit and a God-fearing 
heart ; convert and enlighten me, that I may be- 
come a new man and a true Christian. Help me 
to fight and work, so that I may subdue all evil 
lusts, lay aside all bad habits, separate myself 
from the world, and present my body and soul 
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Thee. 
Behold, O God, how many are the dangers and 
temptations to which I am exposed in this world. 
Do Thou guide me by Thy power, that I may not 
be led astray nor turned aside from Thee. Dwell 
in my soul, control my heart, and grant me grace 
to be a living member of the body of my Jesus, 
and a new creature ; then shall I be rich enough, 
honored enough, and happy enough in this world. 

Provide for me also, O gracious God and Fath- 
er, in earthly things. Thou knowest what I 
need, Thou seest what I lack. Give me nothing 
according to my will, but all according to Thine. 



212 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

If health is good for me, then give me a healthy 
body ? that I may all the better perform the duties 
of my calling. Provide me with food and cloth- 
ing; for Thou knowest that without these I can- 
not live. Be with me in all my ways, and guard 
me against harm. Add Thy blessing to my labor ; 
for what Thou blessest is blessed indeed. Thou 
hast placed me in the world ; Thou wilt also know 
how to sustain and provide for me. I cast all 
my burdens and cares upon Thee. O God, do 
Thou care for Thy child and preserve me; let 
me in future abundantly enjoy Thy Fatherly 
faithfulness and grace. 

But since Thou, O God, hast not created me 
simply for the sake of this earthly life, I hope 
for still greater blessings at Thy hands. If I 
had nothing to hope from Thee but those gifts 
which concern my earthly welfare, then would I 
be the most wretched of men. Therefore, my 
Father, grant me also the heavenly gifts. Keep 
me in the faith until the end of my life; let me 
die in Christ; and take my soul unto Thyself 
into everlasting joy. If it be possible in ac- 
cordance with Thy will, let me die while in the 
possession of my reason, and bring me, after 
my departure from this world, to the company 
of the elect in heaven, that I may be crowned, 
transformed, and clothed with robes of white, 
behold Thy face, and rejoice in Thee forever. 



For 'Needful Blessings. 2l3 

my God, hear the voice of iny supplications, 
and do not withhold what I ask. Of earthly 
gifts give me such as please Thee and are salu- 
tary for me; in spiritual things grant me a 
rich measure of Thy grace; and bring me at 
last to the gathering of the saints in light. 
Let me be united with Thee here in faith and 
love, and united with Thee in heaven for ever- 
more. Amen. 



S. M. 



HYMN. 

The Lord my Shepherd is, 

I shall be Avell supplied: 
Since He is mine and I am His, 

What can I want beside? 

He leads me to the place 

Where heavenly pasture grows, 

Where living waters gently pass, 
And full salvation flows. 

If e'er I go astray, 

He doth my soul reclaim, 
And guides me in His own right way, 

For His most holv Name. 



While He affords His aid, 

I cannot yield to fear : 
Though I should walk through death's dark 
shade, 

My Shepherd's with me there. 



214 Prayers for Various Benefits, 

The bounties of Thy love 

Shall crown my following days; 

Nor from Thy house will I remove, 
Nor cease to speak Thy praise. 

— Watts, 1719. 



THE CHRISTIAN THANKS GOD FOE HIS 
HEALTH. 

MEDITATION. 

Ecclesiasticus 30 : 14-16. Better is the poor, being 
sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that 
is afflicted in his body. Health and good estate of 
body are above all gold, and a strong body above in- 
finite wealth. There is no riches above a sound body, 
and no joy above the joy of the heart. 

GOD bestows upon men diverse gifts, spirit- 
ual and bodily. Among the bodily gifts, 
one of the most precious is health. A 
healthy man is a happy man, provided he be at 
the same time godly. But he is the most un- 
happy of men, if he be ungodly. A healthy man 
is happy because he can serve God and his neigh- 
bor unhindered, follow his calling, and do much 
good. But if Avith all his health a man is not 
godly, he abuses this noble gift outrageously in 
the service of sin, shame and wickedness. O 
how salutary it would be for many a one to be 
lame, dumb, and blind, or oppressed with pain, 
so that he might not with his feet, his tongue, 



Thanksgiving for Health. 215 

his eyes, and his body perpetrate so much 
wickedness. Such an abuse of the healthy mem- 
bers of the body inyolyes a heavy responsibility 
and seyere punishment. 

A Christian recognizes the blessing of health. 
Therefore (1) when he looks upon the healthy 
members of his body, he gives God thanks for 
them. (2) He employs his health for the pur- 
pose of serving God, reverently attending divine 
worship in God's house, and growing in true re- 
ligion. (3) He employs it in the service of his 
fellow-men. (4) He employs it in faithfully and 
honestly fulfilling the duties of his calling. (5) 
He recognizes that his health may fail, and that 
in a moment, if it be God's will, pain, sickness, 
lameness, or ill-health may come upon him. (6) 
Therefore he does not abuse his health by indul- 
gence in wilful sin, presumption, and malice; 
lest, if sickness and pain come, his conscience 
should say to him : This is God's punishment 
for the abuse of thy health. For God frequently 
sends bodily disease upon those who have abused 
their health by living in sin, and thus puts a 
check upon their transgressions. (7) A pious 
Christian prays diligently in days of health, be- 
cause he does not know whether he will have 
strength to pray when sickness comes. Thus he 
employs his health to good purpose. 



216 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

PRAYER. 

O Thou gracious and merciful God! How 
great is Thy love and goodness, in that Thou 
dost not only graciously preserve ine but dost 
permit me to begin and complete one year after 
another in good health. My God, I acknowledge 
that this is one of the good gifts which come 
down from above, from Thee, the Father of 
lights. Lord, Lord, who am I, that Thou 
shouldest show such mercy to me? Daily I see 
people who are sickly, miserable, and weak. I 
hear many complain that they must spend their 
life in great pain and in tedious sickness upon 
their beds; and these persons are perhaps much 
more God-fearing and pious, and pray more de- 
voutly, than I. And yet to me Thou dost grant 
good health and strength. 

O Lord, I am not worthy of all the mercies- 
which Thou hast hitherto bestowed upon me, and 
which Thou dost still bestow. Grant, O God, 
that I may not abuse this noble gift of health by 
wantonness, sinful pleasure, pride, and insolence, 
but may recognize that Thou wouldest encour- 
age me by it to thankfulness and piety. Help 
me throughout all my future life to employ my 
health for Thy honor and glory, to the good of 
my neighbor, and to the fulfilment of the duties 
of my station. If it be Thy will, preserve my 



Thanksgiving for Health. 217 

health and hit soundness of limb, so that I may 
be unhampered and regular in my attendance at 
Thy house, and may sing hymns of thanksgiving 
and praise in Thy temple. Grant me Thy Holy 
Spirit, that He may sanctify my sound limbs to 
Thy service, and my right mind to growth in the 
knowledge of Thee. O my God, grant me grace 
and strength to increase in the inward man, that 
I may be strong in faith, fervent in spirit, patient 
in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer, sin- 
cere in my love to Thee and my neighbor, Christ- 
like in life, rejoicing in hope, and peaceful in 
death. O, sanctify me; bless me. Let Thy good 
Spirit lead me in the land of uprightness. Amen. 



HYMN. 



for a closer walk with God, 
A calm and heavenly frame; 

A light to shine upon the road 
That leads me to the Lamb ! 

Return, O holy Dove, return, 
Sweet Messenger of rest! 

1 hate the sins that made Thee mourn, 
And drove Thee from my breast. 

The dearest idol I have known, 

TThate'er that idol be, 
Help me to tear it from Thy throne, 

And worship only Thee. 



C. M. 



218 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

So shall my walk be close with God, 
Calm and serene my frame; 

So purer light shall mark the road 
That leads me to the Lamb. 

— William Cowper,iyy^^ 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS GOD TO 
SANCTIFY HIS HEART. 

MEDITATION. 

Heb. 12 : 14. Follow peace with all men, and holi- 
ness, without which no man shall see the Lord, 

WHEN the believer reflects upon his nat- 
ural state of condemnation, (1) he re- 
members that he cannot make him- 
self holy, but that his sanctification is the work 
of God. Therefore (2) he uses the means which 
God has ordained for his sanctification. He 
calls to mind his Baptism, through which the 
Holy Ghost was shed upon him and took up 
His abode in his heart; and he inquires care- 
fully whether he has not in his adult years 
driven the Holy Spirit away again by wilful sin. 
He knows that the Holy Supper also is a means 
of grace; therefore, whenever he receives it, he 
seeks to have his soul and body and all his 
members sanctified by it. He listens reverently 
to God's Word, and treasures it in his heart, 
in order that he may grow in holiness. 



For Sanctification. 219 

Through the power of God and the operation 
of the Holy Spirit (3) this sanctification is to 
take place in body and soul. If the soul is sanc- 
tified, the whole life must be holy, and all our 
thoughts and words and deeds must be fashioned 
according to the demands of holiness. (4) This 
sanctification is to take place early in life, and 
not simply in old age or on the death-bed. It 
is to take place while we are able to pray and 
to use the means of grace intelligently. ( 5)* This 
sanctification should be manifest at all times 
and under all circumstances, when we are in the 
society of the children of this world as well as 
on other occasions. We should always show by 
our conduct, by our words and deeds, that our 
heart is sanctified, and that in all that we say 
and do we are governed by the Holy Spirit. 
Such sanctified souls shall one day enter upon 
the inheritance of the saints in light. 

PRAYER. 

O Holy Spirit, I tremble when I hear Thy 
words: "Ye shall be holy; for I am holy;" and 
again, that "without holiness no man shall see 
the Lord." When I reflect upon these words, 
and compare them with my unholy heart, my 
unholy thoughts, my unholy words, my unholy 
deeds, I am often filled with dismay. I am 
ashamed of my unbecoming and unholy life. For, 



220 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

alas. I have followed the promptings of iny heart 
and the customs of the world, and have grieved 
Thee by sinful words and deeds. O. if none 
shall see Thy face but those who are holy, how 
few shall be saved, how many shall he con- 
demned ! Help. Lord : for the godly man ceaseth ! 

Thou holy God. enlighten me. that I may 
henceforth follow after holiness of heart and 
life. O Jesus, make me righteous through Thy 
righteousness, through Thy merit and blood. O 
give to me. who am by nature unholy. Thy 
righteousness, that, clothed with it as with a 
beauteous robe. I may appear and stand before 
Thy heavenly Father. Sanctify my life through 
Thy holy Word. Sanctify my heart, that it may 
always be occupied with good thoughts. Sanctify 
my lips, that they may not speak what is unbe- 
coming, unchristian, and wicked. Sanctify my 
will, that I may desire and do only what is pleas- 
ing to Thee. holy God! Draw me away from 
the world, and unite me with Thee, so that I 
may have within me the witness of Thy Holy 
Spirit that I have been born again as Thy child, 
and enjoy Thy favor. 

But let this sanctification be genuine. Let 
me not. for example, be holy and seek holiness 
only in church, or at the Lord's Table, or when 
I am engaged in holy offices, but be holy and 
strive after holiness at all times., at all places. 



For Sanctificatwn. 221 

and under all circumstances, even when I must 
live in the society of the children of this world. 
Let me, at such times also, speak, live, and act 
as a child of God, and continue to do so until 
death, when Thou wilt receive me into the com- 
pany of the sanctified and elect in eternal light 
above. Amen. 

HYMN. 

C. M. 

O that the Lord would guide my ways, 

To keep His statutes still! 
O that my God would grant me grace 

To know and do His will ! 

Order my footsteps by Thy Word, 

And make my heart sincere ; 
Let sin have no dominion, Lord, 

But keep my conscience clear. 

Assist my soul, too apt to stray, 

A stricter watch to keep; 
And should I e'er forget Thy way, 

Restore Thy wandering sheep. 

Make me to walk in Thy commands ; 

Tis a delightful road : 
Nor let my head, or heart, or hands, 



Offend against my God. 



— Watts, i j 19. 



222 Prayers for Various Benefits. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS GOD TO GOVERN 
AND GUIDE HIM. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 86: 11. Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will 
walk in Thy truth : unite my heart to fear Thy name. 

THIS earthly life is a journey. We enter 
upon it at birth, and we end it at death, 
passing into eternity. It is of the utmost 
importance on what road we journey. If we 
walk on the good way of faith and godliness, 
we shall find it leading us to the glory of heaven. 
But if we walk on the broad way of unbelief, 
malice and wickedness, we shall find it leading 
us to hell and eternal destruction. 

When the Christian considers these things, ( 1) 
he should picture to his mind the two ways 
which lie before him, the narrow way which 
leads to heaven, and the broad way which leads 
to hell. And he should use all diligence to travel 
on the way to heaven. (2) But in order that he 
may enter upon and remain on the narrow way, 
he should fervently pray that God may govern 
and guide him. (3) When he has prayed for the 
guidance and direction of God, he should not 
look around him to see how the children of this 
world live, and on what paths they travel; for 
if he were to follow these, then God's Spirit 



For God's Guidance. 223 

would cease to guide hiui and would depart from 
him. 

Just as a traveler needs a guide to show him 
the right way, so the Christian (1) needs the 
Spirit of God to show him the way in which 
he should walk. For this purpose it is neces- 
sary that the Holy Spirit should dwell in our 
heart, so that it may be said of us : Know ye not 
that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit 
of God dwelleth in you? (1 Cor. 3:16). If we 
haye this Guide in us, then our thoughts, our 
words, our temper, and desires will be regulated 
by Him. (5) The deyout Christian does not rebel 
against this holy rule, nor resist the Holy Spirit, 
but permits himself to be led, encouraged, and 
guided, and is confident that he will be led in 
safety here in this world and in the world to 
come. O blessed Guidance! Happy is he who 
has God for his Guide. 

PRAYER. 

Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me; 
Tho.u art acquainted with all my ways. Thou 
seest and knowest full well, O God, how earnestly 
I long to walk in Thy ways, and to liye as 
Thou hast commanded Thy children to liye, eyen 
as Jesus has giyen us an example. But alas, I 
find that only too often I am led aside from the 
right way by temptations of one kind or another. 



224 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

Now it is my own evil heart that leads ine astray 
through wicked desires; again, it is the world 
that incites me to evil by its bad example. If I 
follow either of them, I anger Thee, my God 
and Lord, and wound my own conscience. The 
nearer I approach to the world, the more I recede 
from Thee. 

Therefore I beseech Thee, lead and guide me 
by Thy counsel. Thou hast said, I will guide 
thee with Mine eye. Behold me, Lord, and let 
Thy good Spirit lead me in the land of upright- 
ness. I yield myself entirely into Thy hands. 
O God, who didst lead Thy people on dry foot 
through the Eed Sea, and bring them unharmed 
through the wilderness into the Promised Land, 
lead me through the dangers of this life, through 
the wilderness and temptations of this world, 
with a good conscience, to the life eternal. I 
commit my heart, my mouth, my members, and 
my whole being unto Thee. Eule my heart and 
fill it ever with holy thoughts. Eule my mem- 
bers, that I may not stretch out my hands toward 
that which is forbidden, nor permit my feet to 
tread the ways of sin and death. Eule my lips 
and my tongue, that they may not utter curses 
or shameful, unchristian, and unbecoming words. 
Eule my whole life, that henceforth I may never 
intentionally sin against Thee, but may be a 
true and pious Christian. 



For God's Guidance. 225 

O forsake me not if I should, in my weak- 
ness, strive against Thee; and do not leave me 
to the mercy of my own will and guidance. For 
if I lead myself, I shall be led astray. Give me 
grace to be circumspect in all my actions; and 
write Thy holy fear within my heart, that I may 
conduct my life entirely according to Thy Word 
and the example of Jesus my Saviour. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Take my life, and let it be 
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee; 
Take my hands, and let them move 
At the impulse of Thy love ; 
Take my feet, and let them be 
Swift and beautiful for Thee; 
Take my voice, and let me sing 
Always, only, for my King. 

Take my lips, and let them be 
Filled with messages from Thee ; 
Take my silver and my gold, 
Not a mite would I withhold; 
Take my moments and my days, 
Let them flow in ceaseless praise; 
Take my intellect, and use 
Every power as Thou shalt choose. 

Take my will, and make it Thine ; 
It shall be no longer mine ; 
Take my heart, it is Thine own! 
15 



7s. D. 



226 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

It shall be Thy royal throne ; 
Take my love; my Lord, I pour 
At Thy feet its treasure-store; 
Take myself, and I will be 
Ever, only, all, for Thee. 

— Frances R. Havergal, 1874. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS THAT TRUE 
LOVE TO GOD MAY BE ENKIN- 
DLED IN HIS HEART. 

MEDITATION. 

I. John 4 : 16, 19. God is love ; and he that dwelleth 
in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. We love 
Him, because He first loved us. 

GOD is love; and because He is love, He 
desires that all His children, the be- 
lievers, shall dwell in true love. Love 
is the bond that intimately unites God and our 
heart, and also unites our heart with our neigh- 
bor's. 

Therefore the devout Christian ( 1) prays that 
God may fill his heart with holy love. For this 
is one of the good and perfect gifts which come 
down from above. (2) He must not despise the 
means through which the love of God is to be 
awakened and strengthened in him, namely, the 
devout hearing and heeding of God's Word and 
the worthy use of the Holy Supper. (3) If he 



For Love to God. 227 

abides in the love of God, he must give evidence 
of that fact by holy Christian conduct, by becom- 
ing speech, and by works which please God. For 
love is like a fire: its flames and smoke cannot 
be hidden. 

He must be careful, however, that he may not, 
like Demas, return to the love of the world ; for 
if any man love the world, the love of the Father 
is not in him. Out of love to God he should 
avoid the world's friendship and society, because 
these would draw him away from the love of 
God. (5) He should abide in this holy love to 
the end, and die in it. (6) This love of God 
should increase with each succeeding year. It 
is something to be heartily ashamed of, to have 
spent twenty, thirty, or forty years in the lust 
and love of the world, and thus to have for- 
gotten the love of God. And the Christian, 
when God has opened his eyes, should seek to 
make amends for such misconduct by all the 
more fervent, ardent and faithful love, and 
should abide in such love until death. 

PRAYER. 

loving and gracious God! Thou alone art 
worthy to be loved. Thee and Thee alone I 
ought to love with all my heart and with all my 
soul and with all my strength. O, I acknowl- 
edge and confess unto Thee with heart-felt sor- 



228 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

row, that not only has my love to Thee, my Crea- 
tor and loving Father, to Jesus, my Redeemer 
and Saviour, and to the Holy Spirit, my Instruc- 
tor and Guide, been extinguished by my inherit- 
ance of original sin ; but that I have not always 
permitted the voice and operations of Thy grace 
and the promptings of the Holy Spirit to en- 
kindle in my heart again true love to Thee. 

But I beseech Thee, change my heart; cleanse 
it from all love of the world and of sin, and let 
these words resound in my ears : " Love not the 
world, neither the things that are in the world. 
If any man love the world, the love of the Father 
is not in him." Destroy in me all love for the 
lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the 
pride of life, to which I am, alas, by nature in- 
clined; and enkindle in me by Thy Holy Spirit 
a pure and true love for Thee. Let me love Thee 
as the highest good for Thine own sake alone, 
and flee all vain things. 

If I would be a true child of God, I must 
banish the love of sin and the world and self 
from my heart, and love Thee above all things. 
Therefore, O God, I come and beseech Thee: 
Grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that He may plant 
this noble, necessary, and Christian grace in 
my heart. By His power I will love Thee, O 
God, sincerely and faithfully. My soul shall 
think of Thee, my lips shall speak of Thee; Thou 



For Love to God. 229 

shalt be dearer to me than the world and all its 
joys, dearer than all earthly fortune and splen- 
dor, yea, than all men. Out of love to Thee I 
will cease from wilful sin, shun the society of 
wicked persons, endeavor to lead a truly pious 
life, and regulate my actions solely by Thy wish 
and will. Thee will I honor and fear ; Thee will 
I serve, follow, and obey. 

O gracious God! Let the flame of this love 
burn brighter and brighter within me, so that 
I may love Thee not only for a few days, weeks, 
or years, but continue and increase in Thy love 
to the end of my days. When for love of Thee 
I am called upon to suffer, give me the needed 
courage, and strengthen me by Thy grace. Let 
love bind me to Thee in time and eternity. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 



Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, 
With all Thy quickening powers; 

Kindle a flame of sacred love 
In these cold hearts of ours. 

Look how we grovel here below, 
Fond of these trifling toys; 

Our souls, how heavily they go 
To reach eternal joys. 

Dear Lord, and shall we ever live 

At this poor dying rate? 
Our love so faint, so cold to Thee, 

And Thine to us so great? 



C. M. 



230 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove. 

With all Thy quickening powers. 
Come, shed abroad a Saviour's love, 

And that shall kindle ours. 

— Watts, i jog. 



THE CHRISTIAN PEAYS GOD TO IM- 
PLANT THE LOYE OF HIS 
NEIGHBOE IN HIS 
HEAET. 

MEDITATION. 

I. John 4: 20, 21. If a man say, I love God, and 

hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not 
his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God 
whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have 
we from him, That he who lovetli God love his brother 
also. 

({ 4 NEW commandment I give unto you. 
j\ That ye love one another. By this 
shall all men know that ye are my 
disciples, if ye have love one for another." With 
these words Christ describes the mark of His 
true disciples (John 13 :34. 35) ; they are to be 
known by their love for their neighbor. No one 
should imagine that he is abiding in the love of 
God, if he hates his fellow-man. 



For Love to oar Neighbor. 231 

Our neighbor is first (1) our friend, our bene- 
factor, our relative. To love these is to fulfill a 
duty, but does not constitute an exclusively 
Christian virtue; for the unbelieving heathen 
also love their friends, benefactors, and relatives, 
when these do not do anything to injure them. 

But (2) our fellow-citizens, strangers, and even 
those persons who envy us, take advantage of us, 
and hate us, are our neighbors also. It is par- 
ticularly in the case of these last, that the love 
of the Christian is to be manifested. He should 
show his love not only by not wishing them any 
harm, not reviling them, and not returning evil 
for evil, but also by wishing them all that is 
good, acting kindly toward them, and loving 
them as he loves himself. All bitterness, re- 
vengefulness, hatred, and malice against our foes 
is to be banished from our heart. We are to 
show by our words and deeds that we bear no 
ill-will or hatred, but feel kindly disposed to- 
ward them. We are to do in deed and in truth 
as Jesus commands : " Love your enemies, bless 
them that curse you, do good to them that hate 
you, and pray fpr them that despitefully use you 
and persecute you; that ye may be the children 
of your Father which is in heaven.-' (Matt. 
5 : 44, 45.) 



232 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

PRAYER. 

O gracious God! Who in Thy fervent love to- 
ward us dost richly bless us in body and soul, 
and who hast commanded us to love our neigh- 
bor with a love like Thine! I confess to Thee. 
that my heart has not yet permitted itself to be 
brought to such true and sincere love for my 
neighbor. According to Thy commandment I 
should love my neighbor as myself. When Thou 
sendest him fortune, health, and prosperity. I 
should rejoice, just as I would if Thou hadst 
sent them to me. I ought sincerely to love the 
enemy who hates, reviles, persecutes, and op- 
presses me. I ought to pray for him, wish him 
well, and beseech Thee to bless him in body and 
soul. 

But, O omniscient God. Thou knowest how far 
my heart is removed from the fulfilment of these 
duties. Alas! when Thou bestowest good for- 
tune, honors, or benefits upon my neighbor and 
not upon me. I often look on with envy because 
Thou art so kind to him. O all-knowing God. 
Thou seest how. listless and weak are my pray- 
ers for my enemies. I either forget them entirely 
when I pray. or. if I think of them because Thy 
Spirit so often reminds me of my duty. I pray 
for them in a very few words. O my God and 
Father; I recognize in these things the misery 



For Love to our Neighbor. 233 

and depravity in which I still lie, and perceive 
that I am not yet such a disciple of Christ as I 
ought to be. For true disciples are to be known 
by their love, not only to their good friends and 
benefactors, but also to those who envy, hate and 
persecute them. 

I pray Thee therefore, change my revengeful 
and rebellious heart, so that by Thy grace I may 
heartily and honestly love my neighbor as my- 
self. Grant me grace to rejoice in his good for- 
tune, and not to be sorrowful or envious because 
Thou dost not at the same time send similar 
good fortune to me. Preserve me from all deceit- 
fulness toward him. Let me not be friendly to- 
ward him in word and hostile in heart. Let me 
not betray him with a Judas' kiss, but be honest 
and sincere in my dealings with him. And 
should I be obliged to suffer persecution, abuse, 
and injury at the hands of enemies, give me 
strength to bear these things with meekness, 
and not to return evil for evil or railing for 
railing, but contrariwise blessing, and wishing 
them all manner of good. 

O Lord God! Thou seest how hard it is for 
flesh and blood to fulfil this duty. But by Thy 
grace and help it can be done. Grant that 
I may always bear in mind the infinite love with 
which Thou, O heavenly Father, didst love us 
men when we were vet Thine enemies. Let me 



234 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

always keep in view the love of Jesus, who 
prayed for His enemies and did good to them. 
Engrave in my heart the merciful love of the 
Holy Spirit, who wearies not of working on my 
rebellious heart and knocking at its door, that 
I may be moved to a true love for my neighbor, 
and thus give evidence that I am a genuine dis- 
ciple of Jesus. Amen. 



HYMN. 

C. M 

How shall we show our love to Thee, 

Thou loving God most High, 
But loving this Thy family, 

For which Thou deignedst to die? 

If Thou for me such love didst bear, 

Shall I not love again? 
For all are objects of Thy care; 

Thy love doth all sustain. 

If we have love for Thee in heaven, 

? Tis seen by love on earth: 
Love only, love which God hath given, 

Doth prove our heavenly birth. 

For all we know of God above, 

And of His saints below, 
And all we know of heaven, is love, 

And all we need to know. 

Love is of life the only sign, 
Love is our vital breath; 



God is the Highest Good. 235 

Love only shows the child divine, 
Love only conquers death. 

Whate'er we do, where'er we go, 

Let love our sonship prove : 
Our lives the fire celestial show, 

Our thoughts and words be love. 

O deign to send the love of Thee 

From highest heaven above; 
For then our life Thy praise shall be, 

When all our life is love. 

With praise to Thee our strains began, 

With love to Thee shall end; 
The love of Thee, and love of man, 

From heaven O deign to send. 

— Isaac Williatns, 1842. a. 



THE CHRISTIAN RECOGNIZES THAT GOD 
IS THE HIGHEST GOOD. 

Ps. 73: 25. 26. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? 
and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. 
My flesh and my heart faileth ; but God is the strength 
of my heart and my portion forever. 

IX every age it has been men's desire to pos- 
sess the highest good; but the majority of 
them have failed to recognize of what it con- 
sists. The highest good must be permanent and 
perfect, and able to strengthen and comfort us 



236 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

in suffering and death, in fortune and misfor- 
tune. 

According to this description, the highest good 
cannot be (1) wealth, though many people have 
regarded and still regard this as their highest 
good. For wealth parts from us at death, and 
cannot comfort us then. (2) It cannot be honor 
and prosperity; for how often does not the man 
who has been honored fall into disgrace and con- 
tempt, and the man who has been prosperous, 
into adversity and misery! (3) Wisdom and 
skill have indeed this advantage over other 
earthly possessions, that others cannot rob us 
of them; but they vanish at death. 

For this reason the devout Christian seeks a 
true and permanent good, which is found in (4) 
God alone. If he has God, he has all things; 
the highest honor, the greatest wealth, the great- 
est wisdom, in time and eternity. God gladdens 
the heart in periods of happiness, sustains us 
under the cross, refreshes us in death, and re- 
mains united with us throughout eternity. We 
obtain this good (5) through prayer, through 
devout hearing of the divine Word, through dili- 
gent meditation upon that Word, and through 
the grace of the Holy Spirit. But we must see 
to it (6) that we do not drive God away from us 
again, nor seek our highest good in the love of 
the world, vanity, and sinful pleasures. 



God is the Highest Good. 237 



PRAYER. 

O gracious God! How glorious, how lovely, 
how perfect art Thou ! To have Thee is to have 
all things, to know all things, to he able to do 
all things, yea, to possess the highest, best, and 
most excellent good! O do Thou engrave this 
truth deeply in my heart, that I may seek Thee 
alone, and find Thee. preserve my heart from 
the folly of the worldlings, who imagine that in 
the possession of earthly honors or riches or 
pleasures or magnificence they have attained 
the highest good. B.ow mistaken they are! These 
possessions desert them at death, follow them 
not into eternity, and comfort them not in their 
last hour, but let them pass into eternity naked 
and bare, yea, without God. 

Grant, therefore, that I may carefully distin- 
guish the true good from the transient. O 
Triune God, Thou alone art my highest, dearest, 
truest good. Thou desirest to give Thyself to 
me, and to unite Thyself with me. O bind my 
soul to Thee in time and eternity. Though 
moth and rust corrupt, and thieves break through 
and steal, and misfortunes destroy the treasures 
of earth, my God remains mine as my highest 
good. With Thee I go out and in; with Thee I 
journey from plaee to place; with Thee I lie 
down to rest; with Thee I enter upon a happy 



238 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

eternity. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? 
and there is none upon earth that I desire be- 
side Thee. If I have Thee, I have the true life, 
the greatest riches, the true glory, the highest 
good, I beseech Thee, therefore, live in me, dwell 
in me, abide with me. Then shall I have a 
Helper under crosses and trials, a support in 
need, the greatest wealth in the midst of pov- 
erty, the best comfort in sickness, the sweetest 
consolation in my last hour. Then, when the 
worldlings are forsaken by the good they have 
chosen, my God will not forsake me. I shall re- 
tain Him, my highest good, when I leave this 
world; yea, I shall possess Him in fuller, com- 
pleter measure, in unspeakable joy and bliss in 
the world to come. Amen. 



HYMN. 

O Lord, I Avould delight in Thee, 
And on Thy care depend; 

To Thee in every trouble flee, 
My best and only Friend. 

When all created streams are dried, 

Thy fulness is the same; 
May I with this be satisfied, 

And glory in Thy Name. 

No good in creatures can be found, 
But may be found in Thee; 



C. M. 



For the Increase of Faith. 239 

I must have all things and abound, 
While God is God to me. 

O that I had a stronger faith 

To look within the veil, 
To credit what my Saviour saith 

Whose words can never fail! 

He that has made my heaven secure, 

Will here my good provide : 
While Christ is rich, can I be poor? 

What can I want beside? 

O Lord, I cast my care on Thee; 

I triumph and adore : 
Henceforth my great concern shall be 

To love and please Thee more. 

—John Ryland, 1777. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS GOD TO PRE- 
SERVE AND INCREASE HIS FAITH. 

MEDITATION. 

Rom. 10 : 9. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth 
the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that 
God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 

THE state of the unbeliever is deplorable; 
for he is like an unlighted, gloomy, and 
dreary chamber. But the state of the 
believer, who rejoices in the knowledge of God, 
of Jesus Christ, and of his own salvation, is 



240 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

blessed. He is like a chamber in which a 
bright light is shining. His soul is illumined 
by the light of faith. This faith man cannot 
give to himself. It is God who must kindle 
faith within us, either through baptism, in 
which the Holy Ghost is shed on us abundantly, 
or through the Word of God, by which man 
obtains the knowledge and understanding of 
the way of salvation, assents to the Word 
through the power of God, receives it into his 
heart as a divine truth, and then in steadfast 
confidence apprehends God, appropriates Jesus 
Christ and His holy merit, and determines by 
God's grace to believe, live, and die according 
to this W T ord. 

Therefore a devout Christian should (1) thank 
God for bringing him to faith and the knowl- 
edge of Jesus Christ, and thus favoring him 
above Jews, Turks and heathen. (2) He should 
remember his baptismal covenant and the sal- 
vation which he has secured through it; and 
should not willingly break the covenant which 
he has made with God. (3) He should diligently 
and devoutly hear God's Word, in order that 
he may become more and more enlightened, 
and attain to greater knowledge. (4) He 
should practice what he hears and reads, and 
show his faith by his works. Hence (5) a true 
Christian should not rest satisfied to say, "I 



For the Increase of Faith. 241 

believe," but should let the fruits of his faith, 
godliness, love, chastity, patience, meekness, 
and the like, shine forth in his whole life, ^s or 
should he believe only for a time, but should 
remain steadfast in the faith until death. Then 
he can comfort himself with the assurance that 
he will receive the reward of his faith, the sal- 
vation of his soul. 

PRAYER. 

O gracious God! What mercy hast Thou not 
shown me, in that Thou hast brought me to the 
knowledge of salvation! I know the ground of 
my salvation, which is Jesus Christ with His 
merit, blood and death. I know the means of 
grace : the word of God and the holy sacra- 
ments. And I not only know these things, but 
I give assent to them; yea, I place all my hope 
and dependence on them. I know the true way 
to heaven; for whoever would come to God 
must believe. By this faith and knowledge I 
am distinguished from the unbelieving Jews, 
Turks, and heathen. 

O God of all grace! Grant me Thy Holy 
Spirit, that He may cause this knowledge in 
me to be living knowledge. "If ye know these 
things, happy are ye if ye do tliera." Grant me 
strength, that my faith may not be dead and 
unfruitful, but a living faith. Since I know 
Jesus Christ as niv Saviour, I desire also to 

16 



242 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

love Him, to obey Him, to hold Him more dear 
than all the world, to serve Him alone, and to 
refuse to do what my own flesh and the evil 
world prompt me to do. Nothing in all the 

world shall be so dear to me as Jesus. 

As I recognize the means of grace, I will with 
Thy help employ them for my soul's salvation. 
I will listen devoutly to Thy Word, and live in 
accordance with it. What Thy Word forbids, 
I will flee and forsake. And I will, on the 
other hand, by Thy help and the grace of the 
Holy Spirit, fulfill those duties and exercise 
myself in those virtues which Thy Word com- 
mands. The Holy Supper shall sanctify me 
wholly, I will partake of it frequently and 
reverently, as a food of sanctification for the 
strengthening of my faith and for my salva- 
tion, and will continue to grow in holiness. 

O my God! Increase within me faith, holi- 
ness, and obedience, that with each day I may 
grow more pious, devout, and God-fearing, and 
become more and more conformed to the like- 
ness of my Saviour. Keep me in this grace to 
my end, that I may live as a true and pious 
Christian, and may die at last in peace. Amen. 



Far the 1 s lith. 243 



HTMN. 



c. fcf. 



for a faith That will not shrink. 

Though prest by many a foe : 
That will not tremble on the brink 

Of poverty or woe: 

That will not murmur nor complain 

Beneath the chastening rod: 
But in the hour of grief 'or pain 

Can lean upon its God : 

A faith that shines more bright and clear 

When tempests rage without: 
That when in danger knows no fear. 

In darkness feels no doubt : 

That bears unmoved the world's dread frown, 

Nor heeds its scornful smile: 
That sin's wild ocean cannot drown. 
Nor Satan's arts beguile: 

A faith that keeps the narrow way 
Till life's last hour is fled, 

And with a pure and heavenly ray 
Lights up a dying bed. 

Lord, givr us such a faith as this. 

And then, what e'er may come, 
We'll taste e'en here the hallowed bliss 

Of an eternal home. 

—WUHam HUey Bath rst,i8jc .:. 



24:4: Prayers for Variot ! its. 

THE CHRISTIAN PBAYS FOB HUMILITY. 

MEDITATION. 

I Peter 5: 5, 6. Be clothed with humility: for God 

resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of 
God. that He may exalt you in due time. 

AMOMt the sins against which the believ- 
er must contend is pride, which dwells 
in the heart, and manifests itself in 
words and deeds. Since the Fall into sin. we 
are proud by nature. Bnt we must 
humble by grace. He who does not bee:::: 
humble cannot please God. nor be a dis iple of 
Christ. 

If the devout Christian reflects upon this fact. 
he will pray for a heart that is humble 1 to- 
ward God. For "He hath shown thee, O man, 
what is good. And what doth the Lord require 
of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and 
to walk humbly with thy God?*' (Micah S: 8). 
The Christian will be humble toward God when 
he reflects upon God's greatness, majesty and 
glory, and remembers how all the angels, sera- 
phim and cherubim, and all the elect adore 
and praise Him: and when, on the other hand, 
he reflects what a wretched worm he himself 
is, and remembers that he is nothing but a mis- 



For Humility. 245 

erable man. whom God could in a moment de- 
stroy. 

The devout Christian will be humble (2) to- 
ward his fellow-men. if he makes a lowly esti- 
mate of himself, and remembers that his neigh- 
bor may be much more pious and devout, and 
therefore much more acceptable to God. than 
he; that he and his neighbor have the one Word, 
the one baptism, the one heaven: and that he. 
as well as the poorest beggar, will decay and 
turn to ashes in the grave. 

The devout Christian will also become hum- 
ble, (3) if. when he views his own person, he 
remembers that all that he has. all his gifts 
and skill and success, and his life and fortune 
and prosperity are not from himself but from 
God: that God could quickly deprive him of 
these things; and that consequently he must not 
boast of them, nor exalt himself on account of 
them, nor listen to the smooth words of the 
flatterer. 

In order that the Christian may not in any 
respect become proud, h^ should keep before 
his mind constantly the example of Jesus, who 
humbled himself under God and below all men. 
and who admonishes us: ••Learn of me; for I 
am meek and lowlv in heart." 



24(> Prayers for Various Benefits. 

PRAYER. 

O great, holy, and merciful God! who art the 

Eigh and Exalted One, before whose throne 
cherubim and seraphim and all the elect cover 
their faces in humility! I confess unto Thee and 
lament that I am by nature inclined to pride 
and self-exaltation. Through the Pall into sin 
Satan has so poisoned my heart with pride, the 
source of all sin, that 1 often forget that I am 
but dust and ashes. 

O my God! grant me a humble heart, that I 
may thoroughly realize thai 1 owe my life, 
prosperity, and all that I possess to Thee. Let 
me humble myself under Thy mighty hand, and 
not impiously offend Thee by thoughts, words, 
or deeds. Teach me to see my wretched state 
and Thy great majesty. Let me realize that 
I derive nothing from myself but sin, death, and 
condemnation; and that whatever good I pos- 
sess, I have received from Thy gracious hand: 
so that T may boast o\' nothing, but may regard 
all things as Thy gift ami grace: and may re- 
member that Thou canst take them all from me 
again, if in the multitude of Thy mercies I 
should forget Thee. Plant true humility in my 
heart. Let me obey, tear, honor, serve, and 
adore Thee. Let me praise and exalt Thee 
alone. 



For Humility. 247 

Plant in my heart also true humility toward 
my neighbor, that I may never look down 
upon him, nor exalt myself above him. Help 
me to remember that the proud have never been 
pleasing to Thee, but that Thou hast let Thy light 
and comfort and grace and goodness flow in 
streams of mercy upon the humble souls. Pre- 
serve me from proud thoughts, enable me to 
avoid proud words, and preserve me from con- 
ceit and boastfulness; for from these things 
nothing but contempt for my neighbor could 
spring. Impress upon my heart the image of 
my lowly Saviour, who humbled himself below 
angels and men, and who says to me: Learn of 
me; for I am meek and lowly in heart. Grant 
that these words of my Saviour may resound in 
my heart whenever I am tempted to exalt my- 
self. If my neighbor is of low estate, grant 
that I may not look down upon him. If he is 
great and rich and honored, let me remember 
that Thou hast bestowed these advantages up- 
on him; so that T may not find fault with Thy 
dispensation, nor envy him, but may rejoice 
•over his prosperity. 

O my God, grant that I may be converted 
and become as a little child, thinking nothing 
of self, and being nothing in my own eyes. 
Bestow Thy Holy Spirit upon me, that I may 
daily die to the sin of pride, regard myself as 



248 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

unworthy of any honor, desire honor from no 
one, and ascribe all glory to Thee. Grant me 
grace to realize with all humility of heart, that 
all that I have and am is due to Thy grace 
alone, and that of myself I may glory in noth- 
ing but in mine infirmities. 

Teach me through such humility to live in 
peace and concord with all men. Let my heart 
always be the dwelling-place of the humble 
Jesus; then shall I never exalt myself. Pride 
and self-exaltation were the sin of Satan; 
from this sin preserve me by Thy grace. And 
should it ever please Thee, O God, to let me be- 
come an object of ridicule and contempt; should 
my enemy scorn me, and the haughty trample 
me under foot : give me grace to bear it all with 
humility, meekness, and patience, and to em- 
ploy such treatment for my firmer establish- 
ment in humility and my greater carefulness 
in conduct. O Lord, Lord, grant me grace and 
strength to do all these things by Thy help. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 

7s. 

Jesus, cast a look on me! 
Give me true simplicity; 
Make me poor and keep me low, 
Seeking only Thee to know. 

All that feeds my busy pride, 
Cast it evermore aside; 



For Meekness. 249 

Bid my will to Thine submit, 
Lay me humbly at Thy feet. 

Make me like a little child, 
Simple, teachable, and mild; 
Seeing only in Thy light, 
Walking only in Thy might! 

Leaning on Thy loving breast, 
Where a weary soul may rest; 
Feeling well the peace of God 
Flowing from Thy precious blood. 

—John Berridge, 1773. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS FOR MEEK- 
NESS. 

MEDITATION. 

I Peter 2 : 21-23. Because Christ also suffered for 
us, leaving us an example that we should follow His 
steps : who did no sin, neither was guile found in His 
mouth : who, when He was reviled, reviled not again ; 
when He suffered, He threatened not ; but committed 
Himself to Him that judgeth righteously. 

WHEN a man has begun to lead a Chris- 
tian life, and has purified himself 
from gross sins, such as cursing, pro- 
faning the Sabbath, dissipation, unrighteous- 
ness, gambling, and worldly company, he must 
also endeavor to purify himself inwardly, par- 
ticularly from pride, envy, anger, hatred and 



250 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

revengefulness, and must prayerfully strive 
after meekness. 

This meekness consists (1) in not returning 
evil for evil, or railing for railing, and in not 
permitting ourselves, ont of hatred, anger, : 
revenge, to threaten our neighbor. (2) We can- 
not tell whether we possess this virtue of meek- 
ness or not, until an enemy attacks us and seeks 
to deprive us of our honor, property, or good 
name. If, under these provocations, we im- 
mediately give way to anger, and erase, scold, 
or threaten, the Saviour's spirit of meekness 
does not dwell in us. (3) It does not, indeed, 
conflict with true meekness to seek the govern- 
ment's protection against our enemies, jusi as 
Paul appealed to Csesar and placed himself 
under Caesar's protection, when his life was 
threatened. Acts 25:11. But it does not be- 
come the children of God to bite like dogs, to 
tear one another like lions, or to pursue one an- 
other in rage and bitterness like the wild 
beasts. (5) When our enemy persecutes us. 
God desires that we shall give the proof of our 
faith. He would also bring home to us the 
consciousness of our own former sins, and have 
us inquire whether we have not. perhaps, at 
some time by our unjust conduct caused sor- 
row to others. 



For Meekness. 251 

The marks of meekness (6) are these: to for- 
give from the heart, to pray for our enemies 
(Matt. 5:14), to wish them well, to do good to 
them, to rejoice in their prosperity, not to pay 
attention to all that is said against us, not to 
reply to every railing accusation, and to be 
ready to be reconciled with our enemies. 

PRAYER. 

O loving God, who Thyself art Love, and who 
wouldest shed abroad Thy love within our 
hearts through the Holy Ghost! I confess unto 
Thee with heartfelt sorrow, that my heart is 
ofttimes rebellious and intractable. It ought 
to be humble, loving, meek, and gentle when 
my enemy pursues, hates, and persecutes me. 
But alas! instead of these needful Christian 
virtues, I find hatred, anger, revengefulness and 
enmity, prompting me to threaten those who in- 
jure me, and to revenge myself upon those who 
have unjustly attacked me. 

But when I learn from Thy holy Word, that 
those who do such things shall not enter into 
the kingdom of God, and that such conduct to- 
ward my enemies is unbecoming a child of God 
and a Christian: I realize with dismay that I 
am still affected by the ways of Satan, who is 
revengeful, malicious and irreconcilable. But 
I beseech Thee to have mercy upon me, Thou 



252 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

gracious God, and to give me Thy Holy Spirit, 
that He may purify my heart, and cleanse me 
from all malice and revengefulness. Help me 
to look always upon the example of my Lord 
Jesus, who, when He was reviled, reviled not 
again; who, when He suffered, threatened not 
to revenge Himself upon His enemies in the 
future, but committed Himself to Him that 
judgeth righteously. 

O grant me such a quiet, meek and peaceable 
mind, that I may not retain malice or bitterness 
in my heart, nor let the sun go down upon my 
wrath; but that, before the night comes on and 
I fall asleep, I may always forgive my enemies 
from the heart. When my enemy scorns me, 
give me grace to act as if I were deaf and 
dumb, and could neither hear nor make reply. 
Enable me to rejoice and wish him well when 
he is prosperous, and to help and befriend him 
when adversity befalls him. 

Preserve me, that I may not manifest enmity 
toward any one in words or deeds, but may be 
merciful in heart, friendly and sincere in 
speech, kind in actions, and ready to do good 
to my enemies as well as to all other men. Let 
me not, by an unforgiving spirit, hinder my 
prayers and make void all my worship and ser- 
vice. Grant that, even as I would that Thou 
shouldest forgive me, so I may from the heart 



For Meekness. 253 

forgive all those who trespass against ine, lest 
I daily pray against myself in the Lord's Pray- 
er. Bestow upon me the blessing which Thou 
hast promised to the meek: "Blessed are the 
meek : for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed 
are the peacemakers: for they shall be called 
the children of God." Through Thy Holy Spirit, 
subdue in me the evil lusts which war against 
this Christian virtue; so that I may live and 
die as Thy child, and at last, by Thy grace, may 
be transported to the home of peace in heaven. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 



Lord, if Thou Thy grace impart, 
Poor in spirit, meek in heart, 
I shall as my Master be, 
Clothed with humility. 

Simple, teachable, and mild, 
Changed into a little child, 
Pleased with all the Lord provides, 
Weaned from all the world besides. 

Father, fix my soul on Thee; 
Every evil let me flee: 
Nothing want beneath, above, 
Happy in Thy precious love. 

O that all may seek and find 
Every good in Christ combined! 
Him let Israel still adore, 
Trust Him, praise Him evermore. 

— C. Wesley, 1741. 



7s. 



254: Prayers for Various Benefits. 



THE CHRISTIAN ACKNOWLEDGES THE 
CONSTANT GOODNESS OF GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

Lam. 3: 22, 23. It is of the Lord's mercies that we 

are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. 
They are new every morning : great is Thy faithfulness. 

OTHER things are temporary, but the 
mercy of God endureth forever, as David 
declares in each verse of the 136 Psalm. 
God's mercy is like the love of a mother, who 
takes her new-born child in her arms, cares for 
it, nourishes it, and trains it up; for this is the 
way in which God acts toward us men. The 
devout Christian recognizes this truth. He 
realizes (1) that God's mercy is undeserved. 
Alas, we have not deserved kindness at God's 
hands. If He were to deal with us after our 
merits, He would measure out to us destruction 
in body and soul. (2) It is a mercy which is 
sorely needed by us. If God were not so good 
and merciful, we should perish in misery; we 
could not live for a single day, no, not for a 
single hour. For just as no creature can live 
without air, so men cannot exist without the 
goodness of God. Yea, — and this is the most 
important, — (3) it is a constant mercy and good- 
ness. When the devout Christian looks back 
upon his whole life, from his birth on through 



Acknowledgement of God's Goodness. 255 

his youth and the succeeding years, he sees the 
goodness of God in it all. Whatever good there 
is in us is God's work. Whatever earthly pos- 
sessions we have are God's gift. Yea — and this 
is still more wonderful — it is ( 4) a mercy which 
is bestowed upon the unthankful and the ivicked 
also. On them also God letteth His sun shine; 
to them also He gives food and clothing. But 
they do not partake of the indwelling of the 
Holy Spirit, because they close their hearts 
against Him. 

The devout Christian lets the goodness of God 
lead him to repentance, and to the fear and love 
of God; and has the assurance that he shall 
enjoy God's goodness till his death, yea, through- 
out eternity. 

PRAYER. 

God, how excellent is Thy loving kindness; 
therefore the children of men put their trust 
under the shadow of Thy wings. They shall be 
abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy 
house; Thou makest them drink of the river of 
Thy pleasures. 

1 too, O God, have experienced Thy loving 
kindness. It has been with me every hour, every 
day, every week, every year. Thy mercies have 
been new unto me every morning. In my child- 
hood Thy mercy took me in its arms like a 
mother, and nourished me. In my youth, Thy 



256 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

goodness took me by the hand and accompanied 
me everywhere. And in my later years, Thy 
loving kindness provided for me, preserved me, 
sustained nie, and showered untold blessings 
upon me. Yea, Thy goodness has hovered over 
me till this very day and hour in which I 
stand before Thee. Thou hast shown me my 
way, and hast poured blessing, grace and com- 
fort upon me. Thy mercy has frequently pre- 
served me from misfortune and harm. Thy good- 
ness and faithfulness have kept me in all my 
ways. They have been with me as I went out 
and in, so that no evil could befall me. Yea, in 
Thy mercy Thou hast filled my soul with heavenly 
light, illumined me by Thy Word, sanctified 
me by Thy Holy Spirit, and brought me to true 
and living knowledge of Thee. O my God ! Let 
Thy mercy be with me in future. Forsake me 
not when I grow old and my hair turns gray. 
Let Thy mercy and faithfulness abide with me 
till death, till my soul returns to Thee for rest 
and my body reposes in the earth. Let Thy 
goodness lead me to repentance, and the contem- 
plation of Thy mercies move me to yield my 
heart to Thee as Thy dwelling-place, and my soul 
as Thy possession. If in my weakness I should 
err and sin against Thee, have mercy upon me 
according to Thy loving kindness. Bring me 
again by Thy mercy upon the way of repentance 



Acknowledgement of God's Goodness. 257 

and peace, and let Thy grace rest on nie here in 
time and there in eternity. For all the good- 
ness which Thou hast vouchsafed unto me I give 
Thee thanks. I extol Thee with all my heart. 
And not only do I extol Thee here while I live, 
but I will, O good and merciful God, praise 
Thee there through all eternity. Amen. 

HYMN. 

Psalm 103. S. M. 

O bless the Lord, my soul! 

Let all within me join, 
And aid my tongue to bless His Name, 

Whose favors are divine. 

O bless the Lord, my soul ! 

Nor let His mercies lie 
Forgotten in unthankfulness, 

And without praises die. 

'Tis He forgives thy sins; 

'Tis He relieves thy pain ; 
'Tis He that heals thy sicknesses, 

And gives thee strength again. 

He crowns thy life with love, 
When ransomed from the grave; 

He that redeemed my soul from death 
Hath sovereign power to save. 



He fills the poor with good: 

I 
17 



He gives the sufferers rest 



258 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

The Lord hath judgments for the proud, 
And justice for the oppressed. 

His wondrous works and ways 

He made to Moses known ; 
But sent the world His truth and grace 

By His beloved Son. 

— Watts, ijig. a. 



THE CHRISTIAN REFLECTS UPON THE 

FUTURE GLORY OF THE CHILDREN 

OF GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

I John 3 : 2, 3. Beloved, now are we the sons of 
God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but 
we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like 
Him ; for we shall see Him as He is. And every one 
that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as 
he is pure. 

A DEVOUT Christian should daily, yea, 
hourly, reflect upon three things : Who 
he is, namely a child of God; what God 
is to him, namely, a Father, a Benefactor, and 
the best of friends; and what he yet has to ex- 
pect from God, namely, heavenly bliss and glory. 
This reflection will kindle and increase love to 
God in him, and awaken a hatred and contempt 
for the world and its sinful doings. 



The Future Glory of Believers. 259 

For (1) the believers possess a great blessed- 
ness here in this world already: namely, for- 
giveness of sins, divine sonship, peace with God, 
a Comforter in all sorrows, an Intercessor, joy 
of soul, and rest in God. Compared with this 
blessedness, silver, gold, money, and even a royal 
crown are as nothing. (2) They have a still 
greater blessedness to expect in the next world; 
namely, entrance into heaven, beholding the 
Triune God, the society of the angels and of the 
elect, freedom from all ills, everlasting happi- 
ness, and, finally, a glad and glorious resurrec- 
tion of the body. 

A devout Christian (3) should rejoice at this 
prospect, comfort himself with it when he suf- 
fers, and be assured that at last all his suffer- 
ings shall be turned into eternal joy. He should, 
however, (4) take special care not to forfeit 
this blessedness by a sinful, worldly life, but 
remember that he is destined for a glorious 
future. To this end ( 5) he should remain stead- 
fast in the faith and in holiness of life, look 
upon earthly things as transient, and often di- 
rect his thoughts to that heavenly abode where 
he hopes to dwell forever. 



260 Prayers for Various Benefits. 



PRAYER. 

How gracious and kind and merciful art Thou, 
O eternal and glorious God! Thou didst not 
only give to man great glory at his creation, 
but after the fall into sin Thou didst again 
promise great glory to all those who accept Thy 
grace, and who in faith and holy living obey 
the promptings of Thy Holy Spirit. Such re- 
generated and sanctified souls may comfort them- 
selves with the reflection, that in this world al- 
ready they are greatly blessed. They possess 
divine sonship, the righteousness of Christ, the 
indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and peace with 
Thee. They enjoy Thy favor, grace, and love, 
and the confidence that they may come to Thee 
in prayer at all times and receive from Thee 
help and mercy in every time of need. 

But a still greater blessedness shall be theirs 
hereafter. For when their soul has departed 
from the body, it shall at once be admitted 
to the vision of Thy countenance, be num- 
bered among Thy saints, and be filled with 
heavenly joys. To this blessedness the body also 
shall be admitted after the resurrection. It shall 
be transformed and shine like the sun. O my 
God! grant me grace to keep this future glory 
constantly in mind, and to remember, that in 



The Future Glory of Believers. 261 

dying I, in reality, only begin to live; that in 
death my misery but not my life shall find its 
end in Thee; and that I shall then pass from 
unrest to rest, from sorrow to joy, from anxiety 
to happiness, from the sadness of this vale of 
tears to the comfort of heaven. 

O keep me in faith and piety. And when the 
world seeks to lead me astray, let me remem- 
ber that I am Thy child, and that I look for 
eternal glory and happiness at Thy hands; so 
that I may never love the world and thus forfeit 
the glory of heaven. Grant that, even as the 
racers who ran in the course were intent upon 
pressing onward to reach the goal; so I may 
be careful in my course, and may walk not as 
unwise but as wise, and at the end of my life 
may be able to say : I have fought a good fight, 
I have finished my course, I have kept the faith : 
henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of 
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous 
judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me 
only, but unto all them also that love his appear- 
ing. Amen. 

HYMN. 

S. M. 

My soul, be on thy guard; 

Ten thousand foes arise, 
And hosts of sin are pressing hard 

To draw thee from the skies, 



262 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

O watch, and fight, and pray, 

The battle ne'er give o'er; 
Renew it boldly every day, 

And help divine implore. 

Ne'er think the victory won, 
Nor once at ease sit down ; 

Thine arduous work will not be done 
Till thou receive thy crown. 

Fight on, my soul, till death 
Shall bring thee to thy God; 

He'll take thee, at thy parting breath, 
To His divine abode. 

— George Heath, iySi. 



THE CHRISTIAN CONFESSES HIS SINS, 
AND PRAYS GOD FOR FORGIVE- 
NESS. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 51 : 1, 2. Have mercy upon me, O God, accord- 
ing to Thy loving -kindness : according unto the mul- 
titude of Thy tender mercies, blot out my transgres- 
sions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and 
cleanse me from my sin. 



T 



HAT he has a gracious God is the greatest 
blessing of the Christian. The world, in- 
deed, imagines that wealth, honor, and 
high living constitute happiness. But it deceives 
itself. All these things pass away, and are often 



For Forgive ii'. s § . 263 

to blame for a bad conscience, a heavy responsi 
bility, and an unhappy death. 

Devout Christians therefore (1) daily examine 
their own conscience, whether they still stand in 
the faith. (2) When they go to confession, they 
not only think of their sins, but pray heartily 
to God for forgiveness. They repent of their 
sins, mourn over them, and seek refuge in the 
mercy of God and the bleeding wounds of Jesus, 
humbly praying for mercy. And when God has 
declared to them the forgiveness of their sins 
through the mouth of His servant, they comfort 
themselves with that declaration. (3) But they 
also seek to retain God's favor by letting the 
Holy Spirit rule in them. They seek to lead a 
Christian life in word and deed, and flee the 
lusts and evil habits of the past. Then they 
know that in life and in death they have a 
gracious and merciful God. 

PRAYEK. 

Holy, Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost! I poor sinner come into Thy presence, 
and humbly beseech Thee to pardon all my sins. 
O my God! I acknowledge that I have offended 
Thee many times by evil thoughts and words 
and deeds. O Lord, Lord, I lament and mourn 
over my sins. Thou hast through Holy Baptism 
made me a sheep of Thy fold and a member of 



264 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

Thy body; and I ought, therefore, to listen to 
Thy voice and obey Thee alone. Yea, I ought, as 
belonging to Thee, devote all my members to 
Thee as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto 
Thee. But alas! What shall I say? I have 
listened more to the voice of the world and of 
my own flesh than to Thee, and have often done 
what was displeasing to Thee. O the blindness 
of my heart ! O the folly of my youthful years ! 
If Thou enterest into judgment with me, and 
dealest with me according to Thy justice, then 
am I lost eternally. For my own conscience 
testifies against me, and my sins are more than 
the sand on the seashore. But I pray Thee, O 
Lord, have mercy upon me according to Thy 
loving-kindness. O my Father, do not charge to 
my account the evil which I have done against 
Thee in my life-time, but impute to me what 
Jesus my Saviour has done for me. I take refuge 
by faith in His blood, which was shed for me. I 
appropriate his merit, and say : For Christ's sake 
be merciful to me, a poor sinner! Henceforth 
I will begin a new and godly life, and nevermore, 
O Triune God, wilfully or consciously sin 
against Thee. Amen. 



For Forgiveness. 265 

HYMN. 

Psalm 51. L. M. 

Thou hear'st when sinners cry; 
Though all my crimes before Thee lie, 
Behold them not with angry look, 
But blot their memory from Thy book. 

Create my nature pure within, 
And form my soul averse to sin; 
Let Thy good Spirit ne'er depart, 
Nor hide Thy presence from my heart. 

1 cannot live without Thy light. 

Cast out and banished from Thy sight; 
Thy holy joys, my God, restore, 
And guard me that I fall no more. 

Though I have grieved Thy Spirit, Lord, 
His help and comfort still afford; 
And let me now come near Thy throne 
To plead the merits of Thy Son. 

A broken heart, my God, my King, 
Is all the sacrifice I bring; 
Look down, O Lord, with pitying eye, 
And save the soul condemned to die. 

O may Thy love inspire my tongue! 
Salvation shall be all my song; 
And all my powers shall join to bless 
The Lord, my Strength and Righteousness. 

- — Watts, 1719. a. 



266 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

ANOTHER PRAYER OF CONFESSION. 

O Lord, and all-knowing God! from whom 
nothing is hid! Thou seest all that we men do, 
and hearest all that we say. Alas ! when I think 
of this, I am ashamed ; for I have said and 
thought and done so much that was wrong. 
How much evil hast Thou not hitherto seen and 
heard in me, and how much reason wouldest 
Thou not have to reject me forever as a disobe- 
dient child, and condemn me to hell! But be- 
hold, I come before Thee in this period of grace ; 
I am ashamed to lift up mine eves unto Thee; 
but I cry: God be merciful to me a sinner. 
Though I have abundantly deserved Thy punish- 
ment, chasten me not in Thy hot displeasure. 
Eemember not the sins of my youth nor my many 
transgressions. According to Thy mercy re- 
member Thou me for Thy goodness' sake, Lord. 
For the sake of the sufferings and death of 
Jesus, have mercy upon me. 

Lord, Lord, gracious and full of compassion, 
slow to anger and of great mercy ! Thou wilt not 
be always wroth, neither wilt Thou keep Thine 
anger forever, but wilt have mercy upon me 
again. O deal not with me after my sins, nor 
reward me according to mine iniquities. O God ! 
Thou hast said that Thou desirest not the death 
of the sinner, but that the sinner turn from his 



For Forgiveness. 267 

way and live. Have mercy upon me, Thou 
justly offended God. Behold me not in my sins, 
but behold me in Jesus, Thy Son, my only 
Saviour, Mediator, and Eedeemer. For the sake 
of His blood shed for me, have mercy upon me. 
For the sake of His holy wounds, have mercy 
upon me. For the sake of His perfect righteous- 
ness which I make mine by faith, have mercy 
upon me. Give me the blessed assurance, that 
my sins are forgiven, and that through Jesus my 
Saviour I am reconciled with Thee. I will, by 
the power of Thy Holy Spirit, amend my life, 
think of Thine all-seeing eye, and remember that 
wherever I may go and whatever I may do, Thou 
art present and seest all. Let this thought of 
Thine omnipresence never be lost from my heart. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 

L. M. 

Just as I am, without one plea 
But that Thy blood was shed for me, 
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

Just as I am, and waiting not 

To rid my soul of one dark blot, 

To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

Just as I am, though tossed about 
With many a conflict, many a doubt, 



268 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

Fightings and fears within, without, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; 
Sight, riches, healing of the mind, 
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

Just as I am ; Thou wilt receive, 
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, 
Because Thy promise I believe ; 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

Just as I am ; Thy love unknown 
Has broken every barrier down ; 
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

— Charlotte Elliott, 1836. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS WHEN HE GOES 
TO THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

MEDITATION. 

I Cor. 11 : 26. For as often as ye eat this bread and 
drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He 
come. 

TO the means vouchsafed for the strength- 
ening of our faith and our love toward 
God and men, belongs the Lord's Supper, 
in which Jesus desires to unite Himself with our 
souls, dwell in them, rule over them, sanctify 



W 

m 

> 

3 

-co 

a 

►d 

m 




Prayer at Communion. 269 

them, and preserve them in godliness to the end. 

(1) The Christian does not despise nor neglect 
this Holy Supper, as the worldly do, whose 
minds are so distracted by vanity, love of the 
world, revenge, pride, and dissipation, that they 
have no thought for this pledge of God's grace. 

(2) Nor does he come to the Lord's Table simply 
as a matter of habit. On the contrary, he 
comes with a humble, reverent, and believing 
heart, and with a firm determination to remain 
steadfast in the love of Jesus and the fear of 
God. (3) He resolves also, that, having par- 
taken of the Lord's Supper, he will yield him- 
self completely to God, and that, by virtue of 
the strength supplied by this food of the soul, he 
will do better day by day, become more devout 
and earnest in his religion and the exercise of 
Christian virtues, and will remain true to God 
in faith and life till his death. 

PRAYER. 

My Jesus ! How can I sufficiently praise Thy 
great love, in that Thou hast not only given 
Thyself into death for me, a poor sinner, but hast 
ordained Thy holy body and Thy precious blood 
to be the food of my soul, in the Lord's Supper ! 
O loving Saviour! Thy death gives me life, and 
Thy body and blood strengthen and refresh me 
to life eternal. Through this holy sacrament I 



270 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

abide in Thee and Thou in me: Thou livest in 
rue, and I attain in Thee righteousness and 
strength. Therefore my sins can not appal me. 
and Satan cannot condemn me; for in this feast 
of grace I receive the pledge of mr forgiveness. 
Here I receive the body which was given into 
death for me, and the blood which was shed for- 
me, for the remission of sins. This is the blood 
of atonement, through which satisfaction has 
been made for my sins and the sins of all men. 
As surely as I receive this blood, so surely I am 
reconciled with God and have the forgiveness of 
my sins. 

In the first sacrament. Holy Baptism, which 
I have received, Thou hast given me the Holy 
Spirit as the earnest of my inheritance, and im- 
planted the new life in me. By it Thou hast as- 
sured me that I am Thy child and heir. In the 
second sacrament, the Lord's Supper, Thou giv- 
est me the pledge of Thy body and blood, through 
which Thou wouldest preserve and strengthen 
the spiritual life in me. my God! Sanctify 
my soul, strengthen my faith, and cleanse my 
heart, that I may receive this sacrament worthily 
and for my salvation. Grant that my thoughts 
may always be turned toward Thee. Expel 
from my heart all sinful imaginations and de- 
sires, and everything that would hinder my de- 



Prayer at Communion. 271 

votions; so that Thou niayest abide in me, and I 
may abide in Thee, to all eternity. Amen. 



HYMN. 



c. M. 



O God unseen, yet ever near, 

Thy presence may we feel; 
And thus, inspired with holy fear, 

Before Thine altar kneel. 

Here may Thy faithful people know 

The blessings of Thy love; 
The streams that through the desert flow, 

The manna from above. 

We come, obedient to Thy Word, 

To feast on heavenly food; 
Our meat the Body of the Lord, 

Our drink, His precious blood. 

Thus may we all Thy words obey; 

For we, O God, are Thine ; 
And go rejoieing on our way, 

Kenewed with strength divine. 

— Edward Osier, 1836. 

ANOTHER PRAYER FOR ONE WHO PARTAKES OF THE 
LORD'S SUPPER. 

O Jesus! Since I now partake of Thy feast of 
love, I do so also in remembrance of Thee. I re- 
call Thy love : how for my sake Thou didst come 
into the world, that Thou mightest make me an 



272 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

heir of eternal life. I remember Thine anguish, 
pain, and wounds, through which my sins and 
punishment have been taken away and Thy 
righteousness has been bestowed upon me. I 
think of Thy death and resurrection, through 
which life and salvation have become mine. I 
know, O Jesus, that for Thy sake I receive grace, 
sonship, peace, and the joy of heaven. I shall 
not perish, if I am in Thee, O Jesus, and Thou 
art in me. O remain and dwell within my heart ; 
live and reign therein. Let me be Thy posses- 
sion in time and eternity. Let Thy body be my 
food, Thy blood my drink; and refresh me unto 
life eternal. Grant that I may never lose this 
treasure, but that Thou, my Jesus, mayest hence- 
forth live, rule, and abide in me. 

As the manna in the wilderness had to be 
gathered into a clean vessel, so do Thou purify 
my heart by true faith, by true repentance, love, 
and humility, that I may receive this pledge of 
Thy grace worthily, and ever retain it to the 
strengthening of my faith, the sanctification of 
my life, and the confident hope of eternal life. 
O blessed Holy Spirit, preserve me in this grace 
unto my happy end. Guard me against wilful 
sin and falling from grace, lest my last state be 
worse than the first. Let me continue steadfast 
in my faith in the Triune God, in love toward my 
neighbor, and in a godly life until death, that I 



Hymn for Communion. 273 

may receive the gracious reward of faith, the 
salvation of my soul. Amen. 

HYMN. 

8, 8, 7, 7. 

Jesus, at Thy invitation 
Draw we nigh with supplication; 
Thou who hast Thy table spread, 
With Thyself may we be fed. 

Be Thy cross our meditation; 
Be Thy name our consolation; 
While Thy death we call to mind, 
May we here its blessings find. 

Here in all revive contrition; 
Here renew to all remission; 
Here increase our love of Thee, 
Let us Thy salvation see. 

Visit us, O bread of heaven ; 
Life from Thee to us be given, 
Life divine that never ends, 
That from Thee alone descends. 

—Arthur Tozer Russell, 1851. a. 



18 



274 Prayers for Various Benefits. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS THAT GOD 

WOULD GIVE HIM STRENGTH TO 

OVERCOME SIN. 

MEDITATION. 

Rom 6 : 12, 13. Let not sin therefore reign in your 
mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of un- 
righteousness unto sin ; but yield yourselves unto God, 
as those that are alive from the dead, and your members 
as instruments of righteousness unto God. 

SIN is a turning away from God, a trans- 
gression of the divine law; it is un- 
righteousness. A believer does not will- 
ingly turn away from God, nor transgress God's 
command, nor do wrong; but his desire is that 
Jesus may live in him, and that the Holy Spirit 
may rule him. Because, however, he can not 
always accomplish this end perfectly, he must 
fight against sin. 

This fight consists in this : ( 1) The believer 
knows that whoever is born of God does not com- 
mit sin, that is, not purposely and wilfully; and 
therefore he is careful not to offend God know- 
ingly or deliberately. (2) But because he is 
not satisfied with simply avoiding wilful sin, 
and would gladly sanctify, consecrate, and yield 
his whole heart and soul and spirit and life to 
God, he often worries himself about a single sin- 



For Strength to Overcome Bin. 275 

ful word which he has uttered, or is saddened 
by a sinful thought which rises within him ; and 
if he has offended his neighbor by some act, he 
grieves over it. In this fight (3) he seeks refuge 
in Jesus Christ, and prays for grace and strength 
to overcome sin and the world. 

He should, therefore, (4) not only pray 
earnestly, but be on his guard against evil 
lusts and thoughts, and avoid those persons and 
places which might tempt him to fall into sin. 
(5) If he does this, he may rest assured that, since 
he has a desire to serve God with all his heart and 
with all his soul and with all his strength, He 
who has worked in Him the will to do will also 
give him the strength to perform ; that Jesus will 
cover his shortcomings and faults with His pre- 
cious blood, and view his heart-felt desire with 
favor. 

PRAYER. 

Almighty God, who knowest what is in man! 
Thou seest how hard I must struggle against sin. 
It is my heart's desire to be and remain godly, to 
avoid angering Thee, to regulate my life accord- 
ing to Thy holy Word, and to do Thy holy will 
alone. But I find a law in my members warring 
against the law of my mind. When I think, 
"Now I am firmly abiding by my good resolu- 
tions:" I often find that pride, self-will, self-es- 
teem, envy, and prejudice arise in me against 



276 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

my neighbor; that sinful thoughts make their 
appearance in my heart; yea, that I commit sin 
by thoughtless words and unbecoming actions. 

O, I lament that I am so full of uncleanness. 
Cleanse Thou me, O Lord, and I shall be clean. 
Through Thy enlightenment and grace I recog- 
nize, that to commit sin is a great evil ; yea, that 
it is my ruin. It is a plague from which I would 
gladly be free. I struggle against it by Thy 
grace; and yet I am sometimes overcome. This 
wretched condition grieves me. What will be- 
come of me at last, if one moment I am good and 
another bad, and my godliness has no perma- 
nency? Thou seest, O God, how I tremble at 
the thought of my own state, and jet how I can- 
not help myself by my own power. Therefore 
I come to Thee, and pray that Thou wouldst 
grant me strength to resist sin. Let Thy 
Holy Spirit dwell in me, and purify my 
heart. If I am tempted to be angry, revenge- 
ful, or proud, let Him say to me : "Eemember 
that Thou art a Christian; remember that thou 
art a child of God or desirest to be one," and 
thus keep me meek, humble and godly. 

Lord, Thou hast given me the will; give me 
also the power to do. Strengthen me in the in- 
ward man, that through Thy power I may lay 
aside one sin after another, and rule over it. 
Give me ever increasing strength to overcome 



For Strength to Overcome Sin. 277 

the world within me and without. I can do all 
things through Jesus Christ who strengtheneth 
me. Amen. 

HYMN. 



Am I a soldier of the cross, 

A follower of the Lamb? 
And shall I fear to own His cause, 

Or blush to speak His Xame? 

Must I be carried to the skies 

On flowery beds of ease, 
While others fought to win the prize, 

And sailed through bloody seas? 

Are there no foes for me to face? 

Must I not stem the flood? 
Is this yain world a friend to grace, 

To help me on to God? 

Sure I must fight, if I would reign : 
Increase my courage, Lord; 

I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, 
Supported by Thy Word. 

Thy saints, in all this glorious war, 
Shall conquer, though they die; 

They see the triumph from afar, 
By faith they bring it nigh. 

When that illustrious day shall rise, 

And all Thine armies shine 
In robes of yictory through the skies, 

The glory shall be Thine. 

— I Faffs, i7og. a. 



C. M. 



278 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

THE CHKISTIAN DESIEES TO OFFER 
HIMSELF AS A SACRIFICE TO GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

Rom. 12 : 1. I beseech you, therefore, brethren, 
by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a liv- 
ing sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your 
reasonable service. 

CHRISTIANS should constantly remember 
that we are not our own, but God's. This 
should encourage us to offer ourselves 
and all that we have to Him. 

The sacrifices of the Old Testament in which 
God was to be pleased had to be (1) voluntary 
sacrifices. Man must live uprightly in the world, 
not from fear of punishment and of hell, but 
from love to God. Otherwise his offering is a 
forced and not a voluntary one. Even if there 
were no hell, a true Christian would out of love 
yield himself to God as His possession. (2) The 
sacrifices had to be offered to God entire, with 
head, entrails, and limbs, and not in part. Con- 
sequently, we should not give half of our heart 
to the world and half to God, but should love 
God with all our heart and with all our soul 
and with all our strength, and yield ourselves 
completely to Him. A divided sacrifice God re- 
jects. (3) The sacrifices had to be without blem- 
ish ; and no lame or blind animal dared be 



Consecration. 279 

brought to God as a sacrifice. We should there- 
fore be careful uot to staiu our body and soul 

with sin : for a soul that is immersed in sin and 
shame. God will not receive into His hands nor 
into His heaven. (4) God took special delight 
in sacrifices which were young, in lambs a year 
or two years old. in order to show us. that we are 
not to wait with our conversion till old age, but 
to present ourselves as a sacrifice to God 
early, in the days of our youth. | 5) What was 
once offered to God. dared not be exchanged or 
taken away. Even so the Christian should be 
steadfast in his resolve to surrender himself to 
God. 

PEAYEH. 

Lord God, who didst command Thy people 

Israel to bring Thee daily sacrifices, completely 
consecrated and devoted to Thee: Behold. I 
bring Thee my believing and penitent heart,. 
which Thou wilt not despise. heavenly Father, 
Thou hast created me to be Thine. O dearest 
Jesus. Thou hast redeemed me. that I might live 
in Thy kingdom, and serve Thee in holiness and 
righteousness. O blessed Holy Spirit. Thou hast 
sanctified me. that I might be Thy dwelling- 
place, and that Christ might live in me. 

1 would, therefore, again offer myself com- 
pletely to Thoe. I yield myself entirely to Thy 
will. I will henceforth no longer do what I will. 



280 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

but what Thou wilt. I offer to Thee my mouth. 
With it I will praise and exalt Thee, and never 
misuse it for filthiness or foolish talking. I offer 
to Thee my heart. Fill it with a living faith, 
with Thy grace, with Thy love, with true piety. 
Is it a heart that is by nature unclean 
and unworthy to be offered? Then do Thou 
wash it clean with the blood of Jesus Christ, 
which I apprehend by faith; purify it by Thy 
Holy Spirit, sanctify it as Thy dwelling-place, 
and reign within it. I offer to Thee my life. I 
will regulate it by Thy Word and the prompt- 
ings of the Holy Spirit. I offer to Thee my 
members. Grant that they may be weapons and 
instruments of righteousness. Let me not em- 
ploy them for purposes of sin and shame, but 
keep them consecrated to Thee. As, in Old Tes- 
tament times, that which was offered was thence- 
forth to be kept as a thing apart, so will I sepa- 
rate myself from the world and avoid its society. 
I will offer myself to Thee now while I am 
alive and well, and not wait till I have been cast 
upon a bed of sickness; for then it may be too 
late. O Lord, who didst at all times, morning, 
noon, and night, accept offerings, graciously ac- 
cept mine also. Am I bringing it to Thee only 
in the mid-day of my life, or is the evening per- 
haps already at hand? Have I wasted the days 
of my youth, the morning of my life? — Thou 



Consecration. 281 

wilt not on this account despise my offering. I 
bring it to Thee in faith like Abel. Behold it in 
mercy. For the remainder of my days I surren- 
der myself completely to Thee. Amen. 

HYMN. 

C. M. 

My God, accept my heart this day, 

And make it always Thine, 
That I from Thee no more may stray, 

No more from Thee decline. 

Before the cross of Him who died, 

Behold, I prostrate fall; 
Let every sin be crucified, 

Let Christ be all in all. 

Anoint me with Thy heavenly grace, 

Adopt me for Thine own ; 
That I may see Thy glorious face, 

And worship at Thy throne. 

May the dear blood, once shed for me, 

My blest Atonement prove, 
That I from first to last may be 

The purchase of Thy love. 

Let every thought, and work, and word, 

To Thee be ever given ; 
Then life shall be Thy service, Lord, 

And death the gate of heaven. 

—Matthew Bridges, 1848. 



282 Prayer* for Various Benefits. 

THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS FOR PIETY. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 37 : 37. Mark the perfect man. and behold the 
upright, for the end of that man is peace. 

NEXT to faith itself, piety is one of the 
most precious of virtues, not only be- 
cause it is a fruit of faith, but also be- 
cause it preserves man's soul, body, and honor 
from sin and shame. This virtue is an ornament 
of youth and a becoming grace of old age. God 
Himself admonished Abraham, when the latter 
was about to journey to a strange land : '-Walk 
before me. and be thou perfect." ('Gen 17 : 1.) 

Piety does not. however, consist merely (1) in 
outward morality; for this is found also among 
the heathen. It must spring from faith, and 
from love to God ; and must have its root in the 
inmost soul. (2) Piety requires not only upright- 
ness and sincerity of heart toward God and our 
neighbor, but also blameless conduct. The man 
who does not avoid unbecoming speech and un- 
christian deeds cannot be said to be a pious man. 
(3) Piety should also continue till death. It is 
not sufficient to be pious two or three days before 
we go to the Lord's Supper. Our motto must be 
that of Job : "Till I die I will not remove mine 



For Piety. 283 

integrity from me." (Job 27: 5.) Piety is pro- 
duced in us through the work of the Holy Spirit, 
and has the most blessed and glorious promises 
for this life and for that which is to come. 

PRAYER. 

Holy God! when I think of my natural de- 
pravity and my many sins, I scarcely know 
whether I dare venture to come before Thy face. 
Thou sayest to me: "Walk before me, and be 
thou perfect," and "if thou doest well, thou 
shalt be accepted. Yea, fear God, and do right, 
and it shall be well with thee." But alas, my 
piety has made no progress. I have hitherto 
been entangled in the world and its affairs, its 
habits and vanities. And where the world en- 
ters, Christ departs ; where the love of the world 
reigns, godliness is at an end. 

But since I can not be pleasing to Thee 
in such a condition, and none but the believing 
and godly find favor in Thy sight, grant me a 
godly heart. Help me to be genuinely pious. Let 
my whole religious life be upright and sincere, 
and not a mere eye-service or hypocrisy. Grant 
me grace to strive after true godliness,— not one 
which is seeming and outward only, but one 
which has its source in the heart, — that I may 
love Thee above all things, and may always 
do those things which are pleasing to Thee; yea, 



284 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

that, just as an obedient child looks for its pa- 
rent's permission in its undertakings, so I may 
always look to Thy holy Word and command- 
ments to see whether what I propose to do is 
becoming to me as a Christian. If my heart is 
thus obedient, then I shall speak and do nothing 
but that which is pleasing to Thee. 

My God ! I have formed this resolution in Thy 
name. Give me grace and strength to carry it 
out. If in the years that are gone I have not 
served Thee as I ought, forgive me for Christ's 
sake. What in my blindness and folly I have 
neglected, I will now with all the greater zeal 
devote myself to accomplish. I will live hence- 
forth, not according to the lusts of the flesh, but 
according to Thy will. I will seek to become and 
remain godly in heart and life, that I may at 
last, as a true Christian, die a happy death. To 
this end, grant me from on high the power of 
Thy Holy Spirit for Christ's sake. Amen. 



HYMN. 

C. M. 

O could I find from day to day 

A nearness to my God! 
Then should my hours glide sweet away 

And lean upon His Word. 

Lord, I desire with Thee to live, 
Anew from day to day, 



For a Good Conscience. 285 

In joys the world can never give, 
Nor ever take away. 

O Jesus, come and rule ray heart, 

And make me wholly Thine, 
That I may never more depart, 

Nor grieve Thy love divine. 

Thus till my last expiring breath 

Thy goodness I'll adore; 
And when my flesh dissolves in death, 

My soul shall love Thee more, 

— Benjamin Cleveland, 1792. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS FOR A GOOD 
CONSCIENCE. 

MEDITATION. 

II. Cor. 1: 12. For our rejoicing is this, the testi- 
mony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly 
sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of 
God, we have had our conversation in the world, and 
more abundantly to you-ward. 

MOST people are careful to keep their body 
in a state of health, and to acquire and 
retain earthly possessions. Would that 
they made equal efforts to keep their conscience 
pure and blameless. 

Conscience is (1) like the eye, which cannot 
endure a grain of dust. It is the accuser, witness, 



286 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

and judge of a wicked person. The remembrance 
of sin remains in the conscience like scars on the 
face. (2) On the day of judgment God and the 
conscience will be witnesses, against whose tes- 
timony nothing can be advanced. And because 
these witnesses cannot be gainsaid, the judgment 
will soon be completed. 

The devout Christian will keep a good con- 
science, (3) if he diligently hears and reads God's 
Word, regulates his life by it, and inquires con- 
cerning all that he undertakes to speak or do, 
whether it is allowed by God's holy Word. And 
further, (4) if he avoids sinful company and as- 
sociations. For just as he who handles fire or 
water is apt to be burned or become wet, so the 
conscience is apt to be harmed in the society of 
conscienceless persons. (5) The conscience is 
preserved pure by devout, earnest prayer, and 
by the remembrance that God is everywhere pres- 
ent, beholding all that we do. 

PRAYER. 

O Lord, my God.! How great is the goodness 
and love which Thou dost manifest toward us! 
Thou givest us life and health, and lettest it be 
well with us according to Thy mercy. O my God ! 
all these things are the gift of Thy grace. But 
they shall become as bitter wormwood, if, along 



For a Good Conscience. 287 

with the healthy body and all Thine other gifts, 
we do not have a good conscience. 

Therefore, O my God, have mercy upon me, 
and let me live in Thy fear, lest I do violence to 
my conscience. For conscience is as tender as 
the eye ; and just as the eye, if the least dust gets 
into it, becomes irritated, tearful, and inflamed, 
and cannot be properly opened, so also the con- 
science, if it has been disobeyed, becomes restless, 
accuses and condemns, and, when thoroughly 
aroused, makes us hesitate to lift our eyes toward 
heaven. 

O my God, I desire to bring before Thee a soul 
unharmed and a conscience undefiled. There- 
fore do Thou rule me by Thy Holy Spirit, that I 
may be as careful of my conscience as of my eye. 
O how great a treasure and how soft a pillow 
is a good conscience ! Who will accuse me when 
my conscience acquits me? For if our heart con- 
demn us not, then have we confidence toward God 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Who can make 
me sorrowful, if my conscience makes me joyful? 
Who can make me anxious and troubled, if my 
conscience comforts and sustains me? O my 
God, let me cherish this treasure ! Help me never 
to speak anything which will cause me remorse 
of conscience. Help me never to consent to a sin 
in word or deed, lest I lay a heavy burden upon 



288 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

my soul, which .might oppress me throughout my 
life or on my death-bed, and bring upon me Thy 
wrath and punishment. 

Graciously preserve me from the anguish and 
remorse of a wounded conscience. To this end, 
grant me grace always to conduct myself as a 
Christian should. Let the thought that Thou 
art omnipresent deter me from evil. Let me re- 
member that Thou art a reader of the heart, and 
that nothing is hidden from Thy sight. And since 
I cannot hide from my own conscience, but expe- 
rience its accusations as soon as I do evil, let me 
bear in mind that still less can I hide from Thee, 
Thou all-seeing and all-knowing God. 

Grant me grace to look unto Jesus, my Sa- 
viour, and to walk in His footsteps. Let me ob- 
serve Thy Word as my rule of faith and life: 
that I may never offend my conscience by deny- 
ing the faith, nor ever deliberately sin against 
Thee. O Lord Jesus, cleanse me with Thy pre- 
cious blood, pardon all my sins, and grant me 
true peace of heart and conscience. O Holy 
Spirit, lead me ever in paths of righteousness; 
then shall my conscience remain unseared, and 
Thy dwelling in my heart be undisturbed, 
Amen. 



For a Good Conscience. 289 



HYMN. 



S. M. D. 



Jesus, my Strength, nry Hope, 

On Thee I cast my care; 
With humble confidence look up, 

And know Thou hear'st my prayer. 
Give me on Thee to wait, 

Till I can all things do ; 
On Thee, almighty to create, 

Almighty to renew. 

I want a godly fear, 

A quick, discerning eye, 
That looks to Thee when sin is near, 

And sees the tempter fly; 
A spirit still prepared, 

And armed with jealous care, 
Forever standing on its guard, 

And watching unto prayer. 

I want a true regard, 

A single steady aim, 
Unmoved by threatening or reward, 

To Thee and Thy great Name: 
A zealous, just concern 

For Thine immortal praise ; 
A pure desire that all may learn 

And glorify Thy grace. 

I rest upon Thy Word ; 

Thy promise is for me : 
My succor and salvation, Lord, 

Shall surely come from Thee. 

19 



290 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

But let me still abide, 

Nor from hit hope remove, 
Till Thou my patieut spirit guide 

Iuto Thy perfect love. 

— Charles Wesley, IJ42. 



BELIEVING PARENTS BRING THEIR 
CHILDREN TO GOD IN PRAYER. 

MEDITATION. 

Is. 8 : 18. Behold I and the children whom the Lord 
hath given me are for signs and wonders in Israel from 
the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in Mount Zion. 
John 17, 12. 

TO Christian parents, the welfare of their 
children is a matter of very great con- 
cern. Their children are a sacred trust, 
for which God will hold them responsible. 
If pious parents reflect upon this fact, they will 
( 1) pray for their offspring eyen before they are 
born; and afterwards they will neyer come be- 
fore God without praying for them. They will 
in particular pray, that God may give their chil- 
dren a right heart, and grant them the Holy 
Spirit to sanctify, rule, and guide them ; for only 
thus can a true basis for their happiness be laid. 
Compared with this, wealth, skill, and worldly 
prudence are as nothing. 

Parents should, however, not only pray for 



Parents Pray for Their Children. 291 

their children, but should (2) also train them up 
in the fear of God. For this purpose, it is neces- 
sary that they should not allow the children to 
follow their own will; for the will of a child is 
by nature perverse, and the imagination is evil 
from youth up. They should have their children 
instructed in the knowledge of God, should en- 
courage them to prayer and Christian conduct, 
and not allow them to mingle in the society of 
vain and wicked persons. For if they allow this, 
their prayer is vain, and they really mock God. 
Neglect in training the children involves a 
heavy responsibility of the parents before God; 
for God will require the blood of neglected chil- 
dren at their hands. It will also bring shame 
and reproach upon the parents; for, instead of 
being an honor, the children will be a disgrace 
to them, often in their lifetime, and certainly 
after their death. Neglect of training also brings 
the wrath of God upon the parents, as may be 
seen from I Sam. 2 : 29 and 4 : 18. (4) Negligent 
parents bring themselves and their children to 
hell, and their indulgence is, therefore, no real 
kindness, but cruelty. 

PRAYER. 

Lord God Almighty, Thou Father of mercies! 
Thou hast, along with Thine other gifts of grace, 
also bestowed children upon me ; and I give Thee 



292 Prayers for Various Benefits'. 

thanks and praise for them. But these children 
I regard as a sacred trust which Thou hast com- 
mitted unto me, and which Thou wilt again re- 
quire at my hands. I regard them as souls which 
Jesus has purchased with His precious blood, 
which the Holy Spirit has sanctified in Holy 
Baptism, and which Thou hast accepted as Thy 
children. I am concerned, therefore, that none 
of them should be lost through my fault. Thou 
sayest to me and to all parents : Keep this child ; 
if by any means it be missing, then shall thy life 
be for its life. 

Therefore, O Father of grace, I come to Thee, 
and bring my children before Thee in prayer. I 
will do what I am able to do ; I will train them 
up for Thy glory, admonish them, correct them, 
instruct them, and pray for them. But O Lord, 
Lord, do Thou look after them. I laid them into 
the arms of Thy mercy in Holy Baptism soon 
after their birth. Behold I do the same now in 
my prayer. O bless my children ; go in and out 
with them, and keep them in Thy fear, that they 
may never burden their conscience with sin, nor 
offend Thee, nor, worst of all, fall from Thy 
grace. Give them a believing, humble, obedient, 
and godly heart, that they, like the youthful 
Jesus, may increase in wisdom and stature and 
in favor with God and men. Impress upon their 
heart the image of Jesus, that they may keep 



Parents Pray for Their Children. 293 

Thy grace and a good conscience to their happy 
end. 

O let my children be devout in their prayers, 
well-grounded in the Christian religion, steadfast 
in the faith, diligent in Thy service, chaste in 
their life, and godly in their conduct, that they 
may give no offense to any one by their words or 
deeds, and may not bring upon themselves con- 
demnation. Preserve them from temptations 
and evil company. Let Thy Holy Spirit con- 
stantly remind them of Thy all-holy presence. 
Let them remember that Thou art with them 
at home and away from home, in the chamber, 
by day and by night, in society and in solitude. 

Let Thy angel keep them as they go out and 
in; let him guard them when they are trav- 
eling, or engaged in their business, or among 
strangers. Give them Thy holy angels as com- 
panions, as Thou didst to Tobias ; let Thy angels 
lead them out of danger, as they did Lot; and 
let the angels keep watch and guard over them, 
as over Jacob. But should it please Thee to let 
me suffer affliction in my children, either through 
their sickness or their death, or through some 
other misfortune which I must behold them 
suffer: grant me, in such affliction, grace to re- 
member, that nothing can happen without Thee ; 
that the children were Thine before they were 
mine ; and that Thou hast a perfect right to take 



294 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

them again to Thyself. Shouldest Thou will, 
that by means of the sufferings, misfortunes, or 
death of my children I should be drawn nearer 
to Thee; that in this way I should be taught 
the fleeting character of all earthly gifts, and be 
admonished to love Thee alone as the true and 
perfect good, — then keep me, on this thorny way, 
in steadfast faith and firm dependence on Thy 
almighty power, which can end, and turn into 
good, all things, even my children's cross. 

Bless them also in earthly things : care and 
provide for them; give them food and raiment; 
and deal with them as their mighty heav- 
enly Father. Be their helper in danger and mis- 
fortune, their physician in sickness, their coun- 
selor in perplexity. Give to each of them a pious 
soul, a healthy body, and a sound mind. Let 
them live as in Thy sight, and ever honor and 
praise Thee. Implant in their hearts true reli- 
gion, and keep them in Thy grace, that I may 
behold them with joy and consolation. 

O God, hear my prayer, and remember that 
they are Thy children as well as mine. Hear 
the supplications which I bring for them before 
the throne of Thy grace. Preserve me from be- 
ing brought to shame through my children, either 
in my life-time or after my death. On the day 
of Judgment let me and all my children stand at 
Thy right hand ; and let me be able to say, to Thy 



Parents Pray for Their Children. 295 

glory : "Here am I and the children which Thou 
hast given me. I have lost none of them." Yea, 
my God, grant me this joy : that none of my chil- 
dren may be lost, but that they all with me, and 
I with them, may enter into Thy glory. Amen. 



HYMN. 

God of mercy, hear our prayer 
For the children Thou hast given; 

Let them all Thy blessings share, 
Grace on earth and bliss in heaven. 



Cleanse their souls from every stain 
Through the Saviour's precious blood; 

Let them all be born again, 
And be reconciled to God. 

For this mercy, Lord, we cry; 

Bend Thine ever-gracious ear; 
While on Thee our souls rely, 

Hear our prayer, in mercy hear. 

—Thomas Hastings, 1834. 



7s. 



296 Prayei's for Various Benefits. 

PIOUS CHILDREN PRAY FOR THEIR 
. PARENTS. 

MEDITATION. 

Eph. 6: 1-3. Children, obey your parents in the 
Lore: for this is right Honor thy father and thy 
mother : which is the first commandment with promise; 
that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest 
live long :.: the earth. 

AMONG the great sins by which human be- 
ings bring a curse upon themselves. 
is that committed by grown-up sons 
and daughters who sin against their parents. 
While parents endure much care, trouble, and 
vexation on account of their children from the 
time of their birth: yet they suffer most keenly 
when iheir children are obstinate, self-willed. 
and perverse in those later years in which they 
ought to be the source of unalloyed joy and hap- 
piness. 

Pious children should, therefore. 1 11 pray dili- 
gently for their parents, and entreat God to 
grant their parents every blessing: health, pros- 
perity, long life, and preservation from all mis- 
fortune. Pious children should I 2) love their 
parents, gladly wait on them, be willing and 
prompt to serve them, and care for them when 
they are sick. They should 31 obey their parents 
cheerfully, and permit themselves to be trained 



Children Pray for Their Parents. 297 

up in all goodness. And when they think of 
being married, they should not enter upon the 
state of matrimony without their parents' knowl- 
edge and consent, lest such a marriage should 
bring a curse and misfortune upon them. Pious 
children should (4) honor their parents in their 
heart, and recognize that God has set the parents 
in His place over them, inasmuch as He provides 
for all their Avants through their parents. They 
should be respectful toward them in word and 
deed, should not speak angrily to them, should 
not use harsh or unkind words toward them, and 
should defend the honor and good name of their 
parents. Pious children should (5) remember, 
that they can never repay all that their par- 
ents have done for them. Remember what Thy 
mother has borne for thee, and with what toil 
and labor thy father has provided for thee. (6) 
Unthankful and rebellious children are on the 
certain road to hell. It can never be well with 
them, if, before they die, they do not, with gem 
uine, heartfelt repentance and many tears, 
mourn over the sins and wickedness which they 
have committed against their parents, 

PRAYER. 

O gracious and merciful God! I give Thee 
heartfelt thanks, that Thou hast let me be born 
of good Christian parents. This is the first bless* 



298 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

ing which Thou bestowedst upon me. If my par- 
ents had been Jews, Turks, or heathen, then I 
should be as hardened, as unbelieving, and as 
lacking in Christian knowledge as they. As 
my parents' first care after my birth was that I 
should be laid in Thy arms, O heavenly Father, 
through holy baptism, in which Thou gavest me 
the Holy Spirit as the earnest of my sonship and 
of my heavenly inheritance; so let Thy good 
Spirit ever lead and guide me, that I may be 
careful to fulfil my duties towards Thee and my 
parents. 

I come now into Thy holy presence with my 
prayer, and beseech Thee : O grant my parents 
health, guard them against misfortune, prosper 
them in their occupation, let Thy blessing rest 
on their labor, give them a long life, and recom- 
pense with spiritual and heavenly gifts the faith- 
fulness which they have shown toward me, and 
which I cannot recount nor requite. 

Give me, O heavenly Father, an obedient heart, 
that I may not consciously or wilfully grieve or 
offend them. Let me constantly keep before 
me the example of my Lord Jesus, who was 
not only obedient to Thee, His heavenly Father, 
but also to His foster-father Joseph and to Mary 
His mother. Let me always, by my childlike 
obedience, be the source of joy and comfort to 
my parents, even in their old age. Guard me. 



Children Pray for Their Parents. 299 

that I may not by disobedience and rebellious- 
ness bring upon myself the curse which Thou 
hast threatened against wicked children ; but let 
it be well with me here in time and there in eter- 
nity. 

Give me a heart that is respectful toward them. 
Let me not anger them by word or deed, but con- 
duct myself toward them with proper humility, 
obey them with cheerfulness, and even bear their 
chastisement without contradiction. Preserve 
me, that I may not become like those wicked chil- 
dren who mock at their parents, despise them, 
and cause them nothing but grief and sorrow; 
but who also incur a curse, and lose for all eter- 
nity the blessing which Thou hast promised to 
good and pious children. Grant me Thy grace, 
that I may not sin against my parents. Let me 
ever remember what my mother has suffered on 
my account, and what care it has cost my par- 
ents to bring me up. And let loving gratitude 
prompt me never to be the source of sorrow but 
always of joy to them. 

If in the days of my childhood I have done 
toward my parents what I should not have done, 
I now seek pardon, O God, of Thee and of them, 
and promise that, by Thy grace, I will seek by 
my obedience and Christian conduct to fill them 
with joy. Grant me Thy Holy Spirit, that, 
as becomes a child of God, I may walk in faith, 



300 Prayers for Various Benefits. 

in piety, in chastity, and in the fear of God, and 
that I may, together with my parents, stand at 
Thy right hand on the day of Judgment, and 
enter into Thy glory. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Lamb of God, I look to Thee ; 
Thou shalt my example be; 
Thou art gentle, meek, and mild, 
Thou wast once a little child. 

Fain I would be as Thou art; 
Giye me Thy obedient heart. 
Thou art pitiful and kind : 
Let me have Thy loving mind. 

Loving Jesus, gentle Lamb, 
In Thy gracious hands I am; 
Make me, Saviour, what Thou art, 
Live Thyself within my heart. 

I shall then show forth Thy praise, 
Serve Thee all my happy days : 
Then the world shall always see 
Christ, the holy Child, in me. 

— Charles Wesley, ipf.. 



7s. 




CHRIST COMFORTING. 



BOOK II. 



For the Use of the Afflicted. 



THE AFFLICTED PERSON FINDS COM- 
FORT IN GOD'S OMNIPOTENCE. 

MEDITATION. 

Isa. 41 : 10. Fear thou not ; for I am with thee ; be 
not dismayed ; for I am thy God ; I will strengthen thee ; 
yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the 
right hand of my righteousness. 

IF there be anything that can lift up the 
afflicted soul, it is certainly the almighty 
power of God. This is the anchor to 
Avhich the afflicted cling when they call to mind 
(1) that with God nothing is impossible. There 
is no misery so great, but that God can deliver 
from it; no burden so heavy, but that He can 
remove it; no misfortune so threatening, but 
that He can turn it aside. (2) Afflicted persons 
should remember, that others have borne much 
heavier burdens, and yet God has delivered them. 
They should therefore say with joy: "O God, 
Thou art to-day yet as great as Thou hast been 
from all eternity; my trust is entirely in Thee." 

* (301) 



302 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

They should remember (3) that the omnipo 
tence of God means power unbounded ; and they 
should consequently not lose courage, even 
though they do not see in what manner they can 
be helped; for the manner in which the help is 
to come should be entrusted to the wisdom, 
goodness, and faithfulness of God. "Your 
thoughts are not my thoughts, saith the Lord, 
neither are my ways your ways." Isa. 55: 8. 
This reflection should strengthen the afflicted to 
trust and hope that God can and will help them ; 
and should enable them to be uncomplaining, to 
hope, to pray, to trust in God, to bear their afflic- 
tion patiently, and joyfully to lift up their eyes 
to heaven and say: My help cometh from the 
Lord, who made heaven and earth. 

PRAYER. 

O good and gracious God! Thou knowest 
how sorely my heart is troubled. There lies upon 
it a great stone which I cannot roll away, a 
heavy burden which I can scarcely bear. There- 
fore I come to Thee, almighty God, and pour 
out my heart before Thee, who art my confidence. 
I cast my burden on Thee, and pray that Thou 
wouldst care for me, deliver me, and sustain me. 
The storm-tossed ship clings to the anchor, and 
I cling to Thee, O living and mighty God. The 
game pursued by the hunter seeks refuge in the 



God's Omnipotence. 303 

mountains, and I lift up mine eyes to Thee, O 
my Rock, my Refuge, and my Defense. I will 
not despair; for I know that Thou art an al- 
mighty God, who art able to help, and to whom 
nothing is impossible. Therefore, O Lord, do 
Thou save me, and I shall be saved. Speak 
Thou the word, and my sorrow shall flee, and I 
shall be delivered. 

O my God, I know that Thou art merciful; 
therefore have mercy now upon me, poor misera : 
ble one. Thou knowest my pain, Thou seest my 
heart ; Thou hast laid this burden upon me : help 
me to bear it. I know Thou art a wise God. 
Thou knowest ways and means which are hidden 
from me. O reveal to my gaze a fountain of 
consolation as once to Hagar in the wilderness; 
speak comfort to me as once Thou didst to the 
sorrowing widow ; help me as Thou didst the for- 
saken Elisha ; and manifest Thy goodness in me 
as in the captive Peter. Loose the bonds of mis- 
ery and wretchedness from my heart. Let the 
light of Thy joy arise within me, and let me be 
re-assured by Thy words : "I will not leave Thee 
nor forsake Thee; for a small moment have I 
forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I 
gather thee." I know Thou art a faithful God, 
who hast never yet forsaken any one, and who 
wilt not forsake me. 



304 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

Behold, O Lord my God, the wretched and 
helpless soul which lies prostrate before Thy 
throne of grace. Send ine help from the sanctu- 
ary, and strengthen me out of Zion. Lord, I will 
not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. My God 
and Father, if Thou wilt not help me, who shall? 
From my birth I have been dependent upon Thee. 
Thou hast taken me into the arms of Thy un- 
wearied mercy, and hast carried me hitherto. O 
let me find help in Thee now. I will cry unto 
Thee until Thou sayest : " Be it unto Thee even 
as thou wilt " Amen. 



HYMN. 

L. M., 6 iines 
{Wer nur den lieben Gott laesst wait en.) 

My God, I leave to Thee my ways; 

I hope in Thee, whatever betide, 
To find Thee in the evil days 

My all-sufficient Strength and Guide ; 
Who trusts in God's unchanging love 
Builds on the Kock that naught can move. 

Help me my restless heart to still, 
And wait in cheerful hope, content 

To take whate'er Thy gracious will, 
Thy all-discerning love, hath sent ; 

Nor doubt my inmost wants are known 

To Him who chose me for His own. 



God's Love. 305 

Thou knowest when joyful hours are best, 
And sencTst them as Thou seest it meet. 

When I have borne the fiery test, 
And am made free from all deceit, 

Thou com'st to me all unaware, 

And mak'st me own Thy loving care. 

Help me to swerve not from Thy ways, 
But do my own part faithfully, 

And trust Thy promises of grace, 
That they may be fulfilled in me. 

Thou never wilt forsake at need 

The soul that trusts in Thee indeed. 

— George Neumark, 1637. 

From Miss Winkworth, Tr. 1855. 



THE AFFLICTED PERSON COMFORTS 

HIMSELF WITH THE THOUGHT 

OF GOD'S LOVE. 

MEDITATION. 

Isa. 54: 7, 8. For a small moment have I forsaken 
thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a 
little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but 
with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, 
saith the Lord, thy Redeemer. 

NOTHING more comforting can be spoken 
to a sorrowing soul in its trouble and 
trials and crosses, than the assurance 
that it is still loved by God. In deep sorrows 

20 



306 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

one of the first thoughts suggested by Satan and 
our own flesh is this: "God is thy enemy; He 
loves thee no more ; for if He loved thee, He 
would never afflict thee so, nor hide his counte- 
nance from thee" The afflicted person, however, 
should not entertain such a thought, but should 
oppose it by recalling the love of God, and by 
remembering that He does not forget His chil- 
dren. 

He should bear in mind (1) that to live in 
affliction and sorrow is quite consistent with 
being a child of God ; for Christ, the beloved Son 
of God, suffered many sorrows, and yet He re- 
mained the Son of God. (2) The afflicted person 
should remember that God still loves those whom 
He permits to suffer affliction, trials, and crosses. 
A father still remains a father, whether he 
caresses his child or chastises it with a whip. 
(3) The cross is not sent upon the afflicted soul 
out of anger, nor for the purpose of working its 
ruin or harm, but in order that the soul may 
learn more of God's goodness, omnipotence, faith- 
fulness, and wisdom. (4) The love of God is 
very active toward those who are bearing a 
cross, — preserving, guarding, strengthening, and 
blessing them. They are often refreshed and 
gladdened in a remarkable manner. These are 
all proofs of God's love. 



God's Love. 307 



PRAYER. 



The Lord is on my side, I will not fear. Thou 
art my Rock, and my Fortress, and my High 
Tower, and my Deliverer. Thus I sigh, O my 
God, in my sorrow and anxiety of soul. O Lord, 
Lord, Thou knowest well how sad is my heart, 
how full of sorrow and pain I am. But I know 
that if Thou sustain me, this burden cannot over- 
whelm me. O do not hide Thy face from me any 
longer. I am oppressed ; undertake for me. From 
my youth up Thou hast shown me much love and 
goodness. O embrace me with Thy love in this 
hour of my soul's affliction. The sheep, pursued, 
flees to its shepherd ; the child, frightened, comes 
to its father; therefore I come to Thee, my Shep- 
herd and my Father. 

O great God, Thou hast promised to help me, 
and hast said: "Fear thou not; for I am with 
thee : be not dismayed, for I am thy God : I will 
strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will 
uphold thee with the right hand of my righteous- 
ness." And now, O mighty God, I need Thy 
help; be with me; leave me not, neither forsake 
me. I know that I am not forsaken; for Thy 
love is so tender, that Thou must have mercy 
upon me. Thou hast loved me with an everlast- 
ing love, and with loving kindness hast Thou 
drawn me. Embrace me now with the arms of 



308 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

Thy love; hold me up, that I sink not; refresh 
me in my affliction; make me to hear joy and 
gladness, that the bones which Thou hast broken 
may rejoice. Give me beauty for ashes, the oil of 
joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for 
the spirit of heaviness. Let Thy love and good- 
ness, which others have so often extolled, be 
manifested also to me, that I with them may 
praise Thy glorious name. O Thou God of love, 
seal in my heart the blessed assurrance that, as 
little as a father can forget his child, so little 
hast Thou forgotten me. Faithful Father, be- 
hold Thy child is sorrowing; comfort it: it is 
full of anxiety; be merciful and help it. Amen. 

HYMN. 

8, 7. 

God is Love ; His mercy brightens 
All the path in which we rove; 

Bliss He wakes, and woe He lightens : 
God is wisdom, God is Love. 

Chance and change are busy ever; 

Man decays, and ages move: 
But His mercy waneth never; 

God is wisdom, God is Love. 

E'en the hour that darkest seemeth 
Will His changeless goodness prove; 

From the gloom His brightness streameth : 
God is wisdom, God is Love, 



The Hope of God's Help. 309 

He with earthly cares entwineth 
Hope and comfort from above : 

Everywhere His glory shineth; 
God is wisdom, God is Love. 

— Sir John Browning, 1825, a. 



THE AFFLICTED PERSON COMFORTS 

HIMSELF WITH THE HOPE OF 

GOD'S HELP. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 121 : 1, 2. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, 
from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from 
the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 

TO have no help in suffering and wretched- 
ness is more sad than the suffering itself. 
Afflicted souls should sustain themselves 
with the thought that (1) God is able to help, 
because with Him nothing is impossible. Noth- 
ing is too difficult, nothing too great for Him. 
He can help and deliver, no matter what our 
situation may be. Afflicted persons should (2) 
remember that God desires to help them because 
of His precious promises that He will be with 
them in trouble and deliver them, and that He 
will not leave nor forsake them. They should 
(3) call to mind the example of others whom God 
has helped in the past. Others have perhaps 
been poorer, more wretched, more sad, more for- 



310 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

saken, more miserable than we, and yet the Lord 
has helped them; why then should we lose hope? 
Amid prayer and supplication the* afflicted per- 
son should (4) await God's help with hope and 
confidence, and firmly belieye that His help will 
not fail. For the word of the Lord is right, and 
all His works are done in truth. Trust confi- 
dently in His word; and though thy heart bids 
thee doubt, be not dismayed. If afflicted persons 
(5) do not see how they can be helped, let them 
remember that God can do abundantly aboye all 
that we ask or think, and that He Himself will 
be their Helper, their Father, their Comforter, 
their Deliyerer, their Succor. If they haye God, 
they haye all. They should also giye their grief 
time to assuage; for it is a merciful proyision 
of God, that the edge of grief is worn off by time. 

PRAYER. 

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord. 
O, to whom else shall I turn, whom else shall I 
seek in my sorrow and grief of heart, but Thee 
alone, my God? Thou hast neyer yet let me go 
away sorrowful from Thy most holy presence. 
Therefore hear my prayer now; giye ear to my 
supplication, my King and my God. When I 
cry unto Thee, be not silent, but answer me speed- 
ily. From Thy hand has come the affliction 
which I suffer; Thou also canst in mercy free me 



The Hope of God** Help. 311 

from it. Thou Lord, Lord, killest and makest 
alive. Thou bringest down to the grave and 
bringest up. Thou makest poor and makest rich, 
Thou bringest low and liftest up. Thou raisest 
up the poor out of the dust, and liftest the needy 
out of the dunghill. Therefore I say in faith : 
Lord help me. Thou canst help me, O God; for 
Thou art almighty. Thou desirest to help; for 
Thou hast promised to do so. Father, wilt Thou 
forsake Thy child? My Father, canst Thou hear 
the cry of Thy child and not come to his aid? 
Thou hast said: "Before they call, I will an- 
swer; and while they are yet speaking, I will 
hear. My bowels are troubled for thee; I will 
surely have mercy upon thee." Therefore 
hearken to me now; hear the cry of my heart 
and the lamentations of my mouth. 

O my Father, I know that Thou dost always 
hear me. I will not seek to set the day nor the 
hour when Thou shouldest help. I will cheerfully 
await Thy time. But strengthen me meanwhile 
by Thy Holy Spirit. Increase my faith, my 
hope, my trust ; give me the needful patience and 
grace to bear my affliction; and let me at last 
behold the day when Thou shalt gladden me with 
Thy mercy. O my Father! Thou hast never yet 
forsaken any one; forsake not me. Thou hast 
ever cheered the afflicted; cheer me also. Thou 
hast helped the needy; help me. When and how 



312 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

and where to help, I leave entirely to Thy wis- 
dom, love, goodness, and grace. Be content, 
then, my heart. Why art thou cast down, O my 
soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? 
Hope thou in God ; for I shall yet praise Him for 
the help of His countenance. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Your harps, ye trembling saints, 
Down from the willows take; 

Loud, to the praise of Love divine, 
Bid every string awake. 

Though in a foreign land, 
We are not far from home : 

And nearer to our house above 
We every moment come. 

• 
His grace will to the end 

Stronger and brighter shine; 
Nor present things, nor things to come, 

Shall quench the spark divine. 

When we in darkness walk, 
Nor feel the heavenly flame, 

Then is the time to trust our God, 
And rest upon His name. 

Soon shall our doubts and fears 

Subside, at His control: 
His loving-kindness shall break through 

The midnight of the soul. 



S. M. 



God's Mercy. 313 

Blest is the man, O God, 

That stays himself on Thee ! 
Who waits for Thy salvation, Lord, 

Shall Thy salvation see. 

— Augustus M. Toplady, 1772. 



THE AFFLICTED PERSON COMFORTS 

HIMSELF WITH THE THOUGHT 

OF GOD'S MERCY. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 103 : 8, 9, 13. The Lord is merciful and gracious, 
slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. He will not 
always chide : neither will He keep His anger forever. 
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth 
them that fear Him. 

HOW sad it is, in times of affliction, to have 
to deal with persons who are hard- 
hearted and unkind. But a grief- 
stricken child of God should rest assured (1) 
that his faithful God in heaven knows how great 
and burdensome are his sufferings, misery, and 
afflictions, how long they will last, and how hard 
they are for the soul to bear. God not only 
knows this, but He (2) has compassion for the 
afflicted one. This we can see in the example of 
the sorrowing widow at Nain and of all the sick 
and sorrowing ones whom He has graciously re- 
lieved. Thus He spoke of the multitude : "I 



314 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

have compassion on the multitude." And con- 
cerning Zion : "My bowels are troubled for thee ; 
I will surely have mercy upon thee, saith the 
Lord." 

In reflecting upon the fact that God is merci- 
ful and exercises compassion, (3) the afflicted 
one should not despair, but seek refuge in the 
mercy of God. For they that mourn shall be 
comforted. ( 4) God manifests His mercy toward 
the sorrowing either by giving them cheerfulness 
and courage and strength to endure their afflic- 
tions, or else by taking their burden away from 
them. Like as a father pitieth his children, so 
the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. He will 
not jjermit the afflicted to go without mercy, or 
to perish in misery. 

PRAYER. 

O Thou all-loving God ! whose mercy endureth 
forever, and whose mercies are new unto us every 
morning! Behold, sad and sorrowing I come 
into Thy most holy presence, and pour out the 
burden of my heart before Thee. Thou knowest 
the wretched state in which, alas, I lie. My soul 
is sorrowful, my spirit is troubled, and afflictions 
without number have compassed me round. I 
look about for help, and find none. My fellow- 
men either do not care to help me, or do not 
know my condition; nor do I care to make it 



God's Mercy. 315 

known to them. But to Thee. O GoiL I come 
with heart bowed down, and tell my woe, I know 
that Thou art merciful, and hast compassion 
upon our infirmities. Thou didst pity the poor 
widow who wept over her son: Thou didst have 
compassion on the multitude: and Thy compas- 
sion was accompanied with mercy and help. 
Therefore I come to Thee, and cry. Have mercy 
upon me. 

O God. I am Thy creature: Thou wilt not de- 
sert the Avork of Thy hands. Yea. I am more than 
Thy creature: I am Thy child, whom, in holy 
baptism. Thou hast received into the arms of 
Thv mercv. Therefore I sav : mv Father, have 
mercy upon Thy poor forsaken child. My Jesus, 
I have been purchased with Thy precious blood : 
I am Thine : therefore Thou wilt have mercy 
upon Thine own. Thou blessed Holy Spirit, 
bear witness with my spirit, that amid all my 
afflictions I am yet a child of God. And if I 
should grow weary in praying and scarcely be 
able to pray any more, do Thou speak within me 
the "Abba. Father/' 

Behold I sink; O reach me Thy hand. Lord, 
help me: Lord, sustain me: Lord, Lord, let Thy 
goodness be manifested in me. and give me joy 
of heart. Write upon my heart, yea. speak to 
me constantly the words : •'Thou art not for- 
saken : T am with thee in trouble. I will deliver 



316 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

thee and honor thee." O Lord, according to Thy 
great mercy confirm my faith, sustain me under 
my afflictions, and give me new strength each 
day, so that my faith may not cease, niy hope 
may not fail, and my trust in Thee may not grow 
weak. Thou sayest : "Is Ephraim my dear son? 
Is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against 
him I do earnestly remember him still : there- 
fore my bowels are troubled for him; I will 
surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord." 
Eemember me also. Thou hast promised me 
grace. I too am Thy child ; have mercy upon me. 
Thou hast never yet forsaken me; O forsake me 
not now. Help Thy child who seeks refuge in 
Thy mercy alone. Amen. 



HYMN. 



L. M. 



hear me, Lord, for I am poor, 
And seek salvation at Thy door; 
Bow doivn Thy gentle ear to me, 
Who am opprest with misery. 

Let mercy come from God on high, 
The object of my daily cry; 

1 daily knock, I daily wait, 

For mercy's alms, at mercy's gate. 

Thou, Lord, art good, and Thou dost stand 
With sealed pardons in Thy hand ; 
O how the dews of mercy fall, 
And answer at Thy people's call ! 



The Promises of God. 317 

Lord, guide me in Thy secret way: 
With such a Guide I shall not stray: 
Bring me into a heavenly frame, 
Unite my heart to fear Thy name. 

O King of nations, Lord of all, 
Before Thee shall all nations fall; 
And every language shall confess 
Thy glorious everlastingness. 

—John Mason, 1692. a. 



THE AFFLICTED PERSON MEDITATES 
UPOX THE DIVINE PROMISES. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 91: 14-16. Because He hath set His love upon 
me, therefore will I deliver him : I will set Him on high, 
because He hath known my name. He shall call upon 
me. and I will answer him : I will be with Him in 
trouble. I will deliver Him, and honor him. With 
long life will I satisfy him, and show Him my salvation. 

HOWEVER greatly affliction, misfortune 
and sorrow may depress us, the gra- 
cious promises of G.od have equal power 
to raise us up. Hence the afflicted person should 
remember (1) that all the divine promises are 
meant for him also. We are not to imagine that 
the promises are meant only for Moses, or David, 
or others who were alive at the time the prom- 
ises were given. No; they are directed to us. 



818 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

For St, Paul says ( Rom. 15 : 4) : "Whatsoever 
things were written aforetime were written for 
our learning, that we through patience and com- 
fort of the Scriptures might have hope." 

Further, the afflicted one (2) should remem- 
ber that all the promises of God will be fulfilled 
at the time which God has chosen. Conse- 
quently he must not attempt to prescribe times 
and seasons to God, but in patience and faith 
wait for God's help. (3) He should remember 
that the promises of God, to give help, redemp- 
tion, deliverance, and freedom from all ills, are 
sometimes fulfilled in this life, so that the sick 
become well, the sorrowful glad, the afflicted de- 
livered, the grief-stricken comforted; but that 
ofttimes God fulfils His promises only in the next 
world, where all that He has promised shall be 
gloriously accomplished. In view of these things, 
(4) the afflicted person should be patient, and 
hope in the goodness of God, who has already 
fulfilled His promises unto so many thousands. 

. PRAYER. 

O Lord, my God! When Thou saidst, Seek ye 
My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, 
Lord, will I seek. In my grief I know not Avhere 
to seek for comfort and counsel but with Thee. 
Thou hast ever been my Help. Especially do I 
seek comfort in Thy precious promises. In them 



The Promises of God. 319 

I find the living fountain to refresh my weary 
soul. I come into Thy sanctuary, and seek in 
Thy holy Word the manna which shall still the 
hunger of my soul, and the living water which 
shall quench its thirst. 

Thou hast said : "I will be with thee in trouble. 
I will deliver thee." O Lord, the troubles of my 
heart are enlarged; O bring Thou me out of my 
distresses. Thou hast said : "Fear thou not ; for 
I am with thee; be not dismayed: for I am thy 
God : I will strengthen thee ; yea. I will help thee ; 
yea. I will uphold thee with the right hand of my 
righteousness." Thou hast said : "The moun- 
tains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but 
my kindness shall not depart from thee." O 
Lord, have mercy upon me now. O, depart not 
from me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; 
uphold me with Thy free Spirit. 

O my Lord and God. I know that Thou in 
heaven art faithful and true to all that Thou 
hast promised. If Thy word did not comfort 
me, I should perish in my affliction. Though my 
heart is full of sorrow, yet Thy consolations re- 
fresh my soul. Thy Word shows me that Thou 
art a mighty God. a loving Father, a strong and 
gracious Helper, a sure Deliverer. In this I 
trust: in this I find consolation. My heart is 
content and undismayed; and I wait for the 
Lord. Therefore be not disheartened. mv soul : 



320 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

the Lord will not forsake thee utterly. He afflicts 
thee, indeed ; but He will have mercy upon thee 
according to His loving-kindness. 

Then why art Thou cast down, O my soul, and 
why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou 
in God. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than 
they that watch for the morning. For with the 
Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plen- 
teous redemption. Gladden my afflicted soul, 
strengthen my weary soul, uphold my sinking 
soul, raise up my down-cast soul, comfort my 
sorrowful soul. Take me into Thy arms and 
console me. LeaTe me not, neither forsake me, 
O God of my salvation. I long for Thee, my soul 
doth long. I sigh: "When wilt Thou comfort 
me?" In Thee I trust. To Thee I commit body 
and soul, and all that I have and am. Deal with 
me as seemeth good in Thy sight. Amen. 



HYMN. 

My faith looks up to Thee, 
Thou Lamb of Calvary, 

Saviour Divine! 
Now hear me while I pray; 
Take all my guilt away; 
O let me from this day 

Be wholly Thine. 

May Thy rich grace impart 
Strength to my fainting heart, 
My zeal inspire ; 



\, 6, 6, 4. 



Hymn. 321 

As Thou hast died for me, 
O may my love to Thee 
Pure, warm, and changeless be, 
A living fire. 

While life's dark maze I tread, 
And griefs around me spread, 

Be Thou my Guide : 
Bid darkness turn to day, 
Wipe sorrow's tears away, 
Nor let me ever stray 

From Thee aside. 

When ends life's transient dream, 
When death's cold, sullen stream 

Shall o'er me roll; 
Blest Saviour, then, in love. 
Fear and distrust remove; 
O bear me safe above. 

A ransomed soul. 

— Ray Palmer, 1830. 



21 



322 For the Us'e of the Afflieted. 



THE AFFLICTED PERSON MEDITATES 
UPON GOD'S PURPOSE IN SEND- 
ING AFFLICTION. 

MEDITATION. 

Heb. 12 : 11. No chastening for the present seemeth 
to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it 
yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them 
which are exercised thereby. 

WHEN a child is chastised by his father, 
he weeps, and regards his sufferings 
as an affliction. It is therefore not to 
be wondered at, that afflicted persons often do 
not know how to regard their cross. 

One who is afflicted ( 1) should remember, that 
God does not purpose to ruin but to save us 
through the cross. When the surgeon cuts into 
a wound or opens a sore, he does so in order to 
cleanse and heal. And so God desires through 
affliction to draw us from the world to Himself. 
(2) When God sees that we are setting our affec- 
tion upon the things of earth, He takes them 
away, in order that we may love Him alone, and 
find our delight in Him. Yea, if He sees that, 
on account of uninterrupted prosperity and 
quietness and good fortune, we become negligent 
in prayer and cold in devotion to Him, He lets 
us become troubled and sorrowful for a while, 
in order that we may long for Him again and 



The Purpose of Affliction. 323 

may seek to grow in the love and knowledge of 
God. But with all this, He remains a gracious, 
almighty, wise, and merciful God, who loves us 
fervently. 

PRAYER. 

O my God, who hast plunged me into sadness 
and gloom till my heart is filled with anxiety, 
my mouth with sighing, my eyes with tears! I 
know not whither to turn. Was I not happy and 
content? Did I not enjoy rest and quietness? 
Whence then this unrest? 

O, my distress is great. But I will not on that 
account flee from Thee, my Shepherd. As Thou 
hast depressed me by this heavy blow, so do Thou 
raise me up again by Thy powerful Word, that 
I may reflect upon the reason why Thou hast 
sent me this affliction. I know for a certainty 
that this cross which Thou hast sent me is not 
meant for my ruin nor intended to do my soul 
any harm. O, no, Thou gracious Giver of life, 
my Father ; it is not Thy purpose to destroy me, 
nor to visit Thy wrath upon me. Thou hast sent 
me this distress, that Thou mightest prove my 
love, and see whether I will love Thee in evil as 
well as in good days. Thou desirest to test my 
faith, and to prove whether I believe that Thou 
art an almighty, wise and merciful God, who 
canst deliver me out of my distresses and pre- 
serve me in the midst of them. Thou desirest to 



324 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

test my patience, and see whether I will bear the 
cross to Thy glory. Thou wouldest prove my 

trust : whether I will trust in Thee above all 
things, and confide in Thy grace^ love and mercy. 

Thou wouldest prove my hope : whether I will 
hope when there seems to be nothing to hope for, 
and implicitly trust Thy Word and promise. 

Yea. my gracious God and Father. Thou 
wouldest draw me away from the world, its lusts. 
sins, and habits, and wouldest have me turn to 
Thee, and elina only t<"» Thee. Thou takest from 
me my joy. that I may rind my joy in Thee alone. 
Thou takest from me what delighted my 
soul, that I may regard Thee as my highest 
good and dearest treasure. "Tis well! I will be- 
come what Thou wouldest have me be: I will 
bear what Thou dost lay upon me. Grant me 
Thy Holy Spirit that He may impart to me the 
needful grace and strength. Without Thee I can 
not bear my cross; but through Thy Holy Spirit 
and Thy gracious help I can overcome. I will 
be patient and endure quietly as long as Thou 
wilt have me endure. I will, also, cut loose from 
the world and worldly associations, and cling to 
Thee alone, that I may be one in Spirit with 
Thee. Thus shall this cross purify me. and be a 
great benefit to my soul. In Thine own time 
Thou wilt send me deliverance. Amen. 



The Purpose of Affliction. 325 



HYMN. 

C. M. 

God moves in a mysterious way, 

His wonders to perform : 
He plants His footsteps in the sea, 

And rides uiDon the storm. 

Deep in unfathomable mines 

Of never-failing skill, 
He treasures up His bright designs, 

And works His sovereign will. 

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take: 

The clouds ye so much dread 
Are big with mercy, and shall break 

In blessings on your head. 

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, 

But trust Him for His grace : 
Behind a frowning Providence 

He hides a smiling face. 

His purposes will ripen fast, 

Unfolding every hour ; 
The bud may have a bitter taste, 

But sweet will be the floAver. 

Blind unbelief is sure to err, 

And scan His works in vain. 
God is His own interpreter, 

And He will make it plain. 

— William Cowper, 1773. 



326 For the Use of the Afflicted. 



THE AFFLICTED PEESON PEAYS FOE 
PATIENCE AND STEENGTH. 

MEDITATION. 

Heb. 10 : 35, 36. Cast not away therefore your confi- 
dence, which hath great recompence of reward. For 
ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the 
will of God, ye might receive the promise. 

PATIENCE is a fruit of faith. It comes from 
God; and hence we should pray for it. 
The more the afflicted person suffers,the 
more earnestly and vehemently he should pray; 
as it is written of Christ, "And being in an agony 
He prayed more earnestly." 

The afflicted person should bear in mind, (1) 
that patience means to bear his cross meekly and 
submit to God's will. He knows that His afflic- 
tion comes from God, and that God can take it 
away. He knows that, though he suffers afflic- 
tion, God still loves him fervently, and has not 
ceased to be his Father. Therefore the afflicted 
person (2) should not murmur against God, 
though he suffer long and greatly, but say : I will 
hold my peace and not open my mouth; Thou 
wilt do all things well. (3) If he becomes dis- 
couraged by his severe pains and his many sor- 
roAvs, he must pray to God for strength. God 
strengthens the afflicted by assuring them, that 
their affliction will soon end, and that He will 



Patience and Strength. 327 

not forsake them ; and by alleviating their suffer- 
ings. (4) In this way the afflicted person will 
again become strong in the Lord and in the 
power of His might. He should be on his guard 
against impatience. For God has promised to 
help us bear our cross ; but He has not promised 
to bear our impatience, because impatience is not 
from Him but from our own flesh. Patience 
alone brings true quietness of heart and mind. 

PRAYER. 

Lord, all my desire is before Thee; and my 
groaning is not hid from Thee. Yea, my God, 
my groaning is not hid from Thee, and my mis- 
ery and distress are well known to Thee. This 
is my consolation, that I know my affliction 
comes from Thy hands. I have not brought it 
on myself; Thou hast laid it upon me. 

But since this is the case, do Thou help me to 
bear it. And as patience is one of Thy good gifts 
which come down from above, O Father of lights, 
grant it to me according to Thy loving-kindness. 
If Thou dost strengthen and help and sustain 
me, then I can bear and endure all. I can do all 
things through Christ that strengtheneth me. 
Let not my burden become too heavy for me nor 
the trial too great. Have patience with my weak- 
ness; strengthen the weary hands, and confirm 
the feeble knees. Say to my trembling heart: 



328 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

"Thy God is King, thy Jesus is with thee, thy 
King conieth to thee with a recompense ; He will 
come and save thee." If Thou dost help me, I 
am helped indeed. 

Therefore help me, O my Saviour, for Thy 
name's sake. I seek refuge in Thee. Let me rec- 
ognize it as Thy holy will that I should suffer as 
I do, and have my cross to bear; so that I may 
bear it cheerfully, and say: Father, not my will 
but Thine be done. Give me the assurance that 
amid all my affliction and sorrow Thou still lov- 
est me; that my sufferings shall endure for a 
short season only and not forever; yea, that the 
sufferings of this present time are not worthy 
to be compared with the glory that shall be re- 
vealed in us. Help me to bear in mind, that Thou 
art my gracious God and loving Father, and that 
my cross is not a sign of Thy wrath but of Thy 
love. Convince me of its beneficent purpose by 
drawing me closer to Thee. 

O Lord, hold up before my soul the example 
of my dear Saviour Jesus Christ, who patiently 
endured all things, and, like a lamb before its 
shearers, opened not His mouth. Give me grace 
to follow the example of His meekness and sub- 
mission. Grant that I may suffer with Him, that 
I may also be glorified together with Him. Let 
not my cross drive Thy Word from my heart, nor 
weaken my faith, nor hinder my prayers; but 



Patience and Strength. 329 

give me new strength and new courage when- 
ever I must weather a new storm or have just 
passed through one. Yea, assure me that Thou 
wilt soon come to my rescue, and wilt certainly 
help and sustain me. Amen. 



HYMN. 

My Jesus, as Thou wilt ! 

may Thy will be mine! 
Into Thy hand of love 

1 would my all resign. 
Through sorrow or through joy 

Conduct me as Thine own, 
iind help me still to say, 

My Lord, Thy will be done! 

My Jesus, as Thou wilt ! 

Though seen through many a tear, 
Let not my star of hope 

Grow dim or disappear. 
Since Thou on earth hast wept 

And sorrowed oft alone, 
If I must weep with Thee, 

My Lord, Thy will be done. 

My Jesus, as Thou wilt ! 

When death itself draws nigh, 
To Thy dear wounded side 

I would for refuge fly; 
Leaning on Thee to go 

Where Thou before hast gone : 
The rest as Thou shalt please : 

Lord, Thy will be done ! 



6s. D. 



330 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

My Jesus, as Thou wilt! 

All shall be well for rue: 
Each changing future scene 

I gladly trust with Thee. 
Thus to my home above 

I travel calmly on, 
And sing, in life or death, 

My Lord, Thy will be done ! 

— Benjamin Schmolk. 1704. 
James Borthwick, Tr. 1853. 



THE AFFLICTED PERSON PRAYS FOR 

THE ALLEVIATION OF HIS 

SUFFERINGS. 

MEDITATION. 

Isa. 38 : 14, 17. Like a crane or a swallow, so did 
I chatter : I did mourn as a dove : mine eyes fail with 
looking upward : O Lord, I am oppressed ; undertake 
for me. Behold, for peace I had great bitterness : but 
Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit 
of corruption : for Thou hast cast all my sins behind 
Thy back. 

GOD has promised His children the allevia- 
tion of their sufferings, either in this 
world or in the next. Afflicted persons 
are not forbidden, therefore, to pray for this 
alleviation in this life; but they are to do so in 
such a manner as to submit themselves entirely 
to God's will. Consequently, (1) when they ex- 
perience the severity, bitterness, and tediousness 



The Alleviation of Sufferings. 331 

of their cross, they dare very well pray that God 
may be pleased to remove it; for this is what 
Christ, our Saviour, Himself did, when He 
prayed to His Father for the removal of the bit- 
ter cup. In this way afflicted persons manifest 
their trust and confidence in the almighty power 
of God. 

Nevertheless, (2) this prayer for the removal 
of the cross must be connected with a meek sub- 
mission to the will of God. It is better for us to 
bear willingly the cross which God sends, than 
to have Him remove it on account of our mur- 
muring, and in His wrath send a heavier one 
upon us. This prayer for the removal of afflic- 
tion (3) should have a good purpose, namely, 
that we may be enabled to serve God more joy- 
fully and unhindered, inasmuch as affliction 
often distracts our mind, discourages us. and 
unfits us for holy exercises. But if we desire to 
be rid of the cross from impatience, or in order 
to enjoy the pleasures and lusts of the world, 
we can readily see that God will not hear such 
prayer. If the heart is still carnal, vain, and 
earthly, He lets the cross remain till, like a holy 
fire, it has destroyed these stubbles and impuri- 
ties. 



332 For the Use of the Afflicted, 

PRAYER. 

gracious God, who beholdest the afflicted 
and miserable, and whose 4 tender mercies are over 
all Thy works! Behold, a poor, afflicted soul, I 
si and before the throne of Thy grace, ami beseech 
Thy help. Thou knowest how Thou hast afflicted 
me; Thou knowest how Thou hast tried me; and 
Thou knowest also that no one can remove my 
affliction but Thou alone. The Father-hand 
which has wounded me must heal me; He who 
has slain me must make me alive again; yea, He 
who has led me into the depths of hell must lead 
me forth again. 

Therefore, O gracious God, I come to Thee, 
and say: Lord, help me; Lord, have mercy upon 
me. Thy wrath is bu1 for a moment, and Thou 
takest pleasure in life; but Thy moment is almost 
too long tor me. Merciful God, Thou who in Thy 
Word hast so graciously permitted Thy children 
to pray to Thee, saying to them: "Ask and ye 
shall receives seek and ye shall find; knock and 
it shall be opened unto you:" let my asking and 
seeking and knocking Hud acceptance with Thee. 
Remove my affliction from me; yet not my will, 
but Thine be done. 

1 do not desire io prescribe to Thee the day or 
the hour or ( ho manner in which Thou shalt 
help: I will patiently wait tor Thee. But I be- 



The Alleviation of Sufferings. S83 

seech Thee, let me experience Thy quickening 

-race. If Thou wilt not entirely remove my 
affliction, remove a part of it. For a small mo- 
ment Thou dost hide Thy fare from Thy believ- 
ers, but with great mercies wilt Thou gather 
them. 

God, how long wilt Thou forget me? 1 low- 
long wilt Thou hide Thy fare from me? Is Thy 
mercy clean gone forever? Doth Thy promise 
fail for evermore? O let me see that Thou art 
still my Father, and wilt have mercy upon me. 
Let me know that my fervent prayer is accepta- 
ble to Thee. O how long, how long shall my 
heart be anxious and long for Thee? With Thee 
nothing is impossible; the Lord of Sabaoth is 
Thy name, great in wisdom and mighty in power. 
Thou art the consolation of Israel and the Helper 
in need; therefore do not forsake me, but help 
me, deliver me, be merciful to me Make me glad 
according to the days wherein Thou hast afflicted 
me, and the years wherein I have seen evil. Leave 
me not, neither forsake me. God of my salva- 
tion. 

If Thine hour to help has not yet come. 
strengthen me within, and grant me such a meas- 
ure of grace as will enable me to bear my afflic- 
tion longer for Thy glory. For if Thou, dear 
Father, wilt lighten my burden or help me to 
bear it, so that I walk in Thy strength, 1 will 



834 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

regard this help as being also a deliverance for 
which I should be glad and thankful. But if 
Thou wilt not remove any of my burden in this 
life, but wilt have me bear it until death, Thy 
Will be done. Only let me not be tempted above 
that which I am able ; and sweeten all my bitter- 
ness and sorrow with the enjoyment of Thy love, 
with Thy mighty succor, and with a quickening 
foretaste of heaven. Amen. 

HYMN. 

Psalm 31. S. M. 

My spirit on Thy care, 

Blest Saviour, I recline; 
Thou wilt not leave me to despair, 

For Thou art Love divine. 

In Thee I place my trust, 
On Thee I calmly rest : 
I know Thee good, I know Thee just, 
And count Thy choice the best. 

Whatever events betide, 

Thy will they all perform ; 
Safe in Thy breast my head I hide, 

Nor fear the coming storm. 

Let good or ill befall, 

It must be good for me; 
Secure of having Thee in all, 

Of having all in Thee. 

— Henry Francis Lyte, 1834. 



The Joyful End of the Cross. 335 



THE AFFLICTED PERSON REFLECTS 

UPON THE JOYFUL END 

OF HIS CROSS. 

MEDITATION. 

Lament. 3 : 31-33. For the Lord will not cast off 
forever : but though He cause grief, yet will He have 
compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. 
For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children 
of men. 

A LL affliction appears light, if we hope that 
r\ it will soon come to an end. A difficult 
journey seems less so when it is short. 
An afflicted person should bear in mind (1) that 
his affliction will certainly come to an end, per- 
haps in this life, even as David's flight, Heze- 
kiah's sickness, the widow's tears, and the pal- 
sied man's pain were turned by God into good 
in this life. But most certainly God will put 
an end to the cross of the Christians, and turn it 
to good, at death. For then He will give them a 
crown, a white robe, and the joys of heaven; then 
He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. 

An afflicted person should bear in mind, (2) 
that, if he is pained by affliction, his soul is edi- 
fied by it; for by means of affliction he has 
learned to know God's omnipotence, wisdom, 
love, and mercy ; through suffering and its happy 
conclusion his confidence has been established 



336 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

and his faith strengthened. And if, through the 
cross, the love of the world has been destroyed 
in him, so that he has become more pious, more 
devout, more Christ-like, more humble, and more 
meek, then his cross has certainly been of the 
greatest benefit to him. Thus the end and result 
of the cross is happy and salutary, whether it be 
removed in time or only in eternity. 

PRAYER. 

mighty God, how great and grievous is my 
affliction! As Thou knowest, every day brings 
its evil and almost every hour its own particular 
pain. But my faith, my hope, my trust shall not 
on this account cease. In the midst of my suffer- 
ings I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, 
whence cometh my help, namely, to Thee, my 
almighty, good, and merciful God. I know, Thou 
wilt at last remove my affliction and gladden my 
soul; after the storm Thou wilt let me see the 
sun again. 

Thou hast promised that Thou wilt give rest 
to the weary and heavy-laden ; and I wait for the 
fulfilment of this blessed promise. If it will con- 
duce to Thy glory and my salvation, grant me 
the wish of my heart and the prayer of my lips ; 
for in Thee have I trusted, O Lord, from my 
youth up. I know, Thy right hand can change 
all things. I entreat Thee, if it be Thy holy will, 



The Joyful End of the Cross. 337 

change my wretched state. Eefresh me, gladden 
me, hear me. In this will I recognize thine om- 
nipotence, that Thou canst deliver out of the 
greatest and heaviest affliction. In this will I 
recognize Thy great goodness, that Thou, as a 
Father, hast compassion upon me. 

Without this affliction I would perhaps have 
learned less true religion than I have learned 
with it. Now I see Thy holy counsel : Thou hast 
desired to make me humble, meek, and devout; 
Thou hast desired to draw me unto Thee, that I 
might find all my delight in Thee, and might 
place my hope in Thee alone. And since all this 
has been accomplished, Thou now takest away 
my affliction, and makest my mind, which was 
restless before, once more quiet, submissive, and 
content. O what glorious fruitage has not this 
bitter root brought forth! What great benefit 
has not come to me from my sufferings ! 

David's persecutions gave him the occasion to 
compose his glorious psalms of praise and 
thanksgiving. My tears shall also be a seed from 
which good fruit shall grow. The thorns which 
have pierced me shall bear roses. After the bat- 
tle shall follow the victory, after the conflict 
the crown, after the suffering the deliverance, 
after the dark and gloomy night the joyful morn- 
ing! For this I praise and thank Thee. Bless 

22 



338 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his bene- 
fits. How glorious shall be that redemption on 
the last day, when I shall have been freed from 
all evil, and shall enter upon the joyful life of 
heaven ! Amen. 



HYMN. 

L. M. 

God of my life, whose gracious power 
Through various deaths my soul hath led ; 

Or turned aside the fatal hour, 
Or lifted up my shaking head : 

In all my ways Thy hand I own, 
Thy ruling Providence I see: 

help me still my course to run, 
And still direct my paths to Thee. 

Whither, O whither, should I fly, 

But to my loving Saviour's breast? 

Secure within Thine arms to lie, 

And safe beneath Thy wings to rest, 

1 have no skill the snare to shun ; 

But Thou, Christ, my wisdom art! 
I ever into ruin run; 

But Thou art greater than my heart. 

Foolish, and impotent, and blind, 
Lead me a way I have not known; 

Bring me where I my heaven may find, 
The heaven of loving Thee alone. 






Prayer of a Widow. 339 

Enlarge my heart to make Thee room, 

Enter and in me ever stay : 
The crooked then shall strait become; 

The darkness shall be lost in day. 

C. Wesley, 1740. 



WIDOWS IN THEIR SORROW POUR OUT 
THEIR HEART BEFORE GOD. 

Exod. 22 : 22, 23. Ye shall not afflict any widow or 
fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and 
they cry at all unto Me, I will surely hear their cry. 

AM indeed a widow woman, and mine hus- 



I 



band is dead." Thus the wise woman of 
Tekoak, a widow, described herself, 2 
Sam. 14: 5. Widowhood is (1) a sad state, in 
which a woman is deprived of her husband's 
help, counsel, comfort, presence, and kindness, — 
a deprivation which is felt keenly even by a 
rich widow, but which is felt all the more keenly 
by a poor one, because death has robbed her of 
the one person who, under the blessing of God, 
supported her and her children. Widowhood is 
(2) an afflicted state, because un-Ohristian per- 
sons frequently take advantage of widows, rob, 
oppress, despise, and injure them. But widow- 
hood is also (3) a state which stands under God's 
special protection. God has enjoined upon all 



340 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

men, that they shall not harm widows and or- 
phans, and has threatened to avenge any injury 
which is done to them. He has promised that 
He will be a husband to the widows, and their 
Helper and Judge, who will take their part, and 
bless and prosper their cause. Yes, He has 
promised them His special blessing, succor, help, 
and grace. 

In view of these promises, widows (1) should 
not despair of God ; for though their husband be 
dead, God is not dead. (2) They should accept 
their bereavement as a trial of their faith and 
hope in God. No one should place his trust in a 
creature, or depend solely upon one. If a wife 
imagines that no one can support her and her 
children but her husband, she makes an idol of 
him; and for this reason God desires to make 
her free from this sin, and to show her that He 
can preserve and support her and her children 
without her husband. Therefore all Christian 
widows should (3) persevere in prayer, and not 
be dissatisfied, but should serve God earnestly, 
and lead a pious, quiet, and Christian life. Then 
God will abundantly support, nourish, and sus- 
tain them. 

PRAYER. 

O merciful and gracious God, who art the Eef- 
uge of the afflicted, the forsaken and the dis- 
tressed ! It has pleased Thee, in accordance with 



Prayer of a Widow. ■ 341 

Thy holy and inscrutable will, to make me a 
widow. My sun is gone down at noonday, the 
roof of my house is fallen. I am a woman deeply 
afflicted; my husband is dead. Whither shall I 
turn? Where shall I seek counsel and help? O 
my God, I come to Thee. When Thou saidst, 
Seek ye my face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy 
face, Lord, will I seek. 

Thou hast promised in Thy holy Word, that 
Thou wilt be the Judge of the widow and the 
Father of the fatherless: "Thy Maker is thine 
husband ; the Lord of hosts is His name." O be 
now my Husband, my Judge, my Helper, my De- 
liverer, my Kefuge, and the Father of my chil- 
dren. Look upon my tears, as they roll down my 
cheeks, and let their supplication rise to heaven 
and be heard. Behold my sighing, and have 
mercy upon me. Grant me grace to know that, 
although I must live without my husband, I am 
not forsaken by Thee; and that, although my 
husband be buried, Thou, O eternal and immor- 
tal God, art not dead but livest eternally. 

O, it seems as if Thou purposest by this 
affliction to draw my thoughts away from all 
creatures, that I may place my trust and hope 
in Thee alone. My God and Father, I believe 
from the heart that Thou canst protect and nour- 
ish and support me and mine without a husband. 
Strengthen mv faith according to Thv i^race and 



342 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

mercy. Show rue a token for good; lead rue as 
Thou didst Naorui ; provide for rue as Thou didst 
for Buth; bless ruy pot of oil as Thou didst that 
of the widow in Israel ; let not the barrel of meal 
waste nor the cruise of oil fail for me, even as it 
failed not for the widow at Zarephath. Wipe 
away my tears, and say unto me : "Weep not/' 
as Thou saidst to the widow at Xain. 

O Lord, provide for my daily necessities, bless 
my going out and my coming in, preserve me 
from harm, and provide for me and mine accord- 
ing to Thy promise. I place all my dependence 
on Thee, Thou living God; I trust in Thee with 
all my heart and soul. Thou art all-wise; Thou 
knowest how to preserve me : Thou art almighty ; 
Thou art able to protect me. Thou art rich 
enough to sustain and provide for me; Thou art 
merciful enough to give me all that I need. Thou 
art present everywhere, and canst assist, help, 
and deliver me. If the traveller depends upon 
his guide to show him the way, and the sick per- 
son entrusts his body and life to the care of the 
physician, why should not I, O almighty and all- 
wise God, trust in Thee, and cast myself upon 
Thy care? Help me, O God of my salvation, for 
Thy name's sake. When my father and mother 
forsake me, Thou, Lord, wilt take me up. Behold, 
for peace I had great bitterness; but Thou hast 






Prayer of a Widow. 343 

in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of 
corruption. In the multitude of my thoughts 
within me, Thy comforts and gracious promises 
delight my soul. 

Grant me grace to spend the days of my lonely 
widowhood in faith and righteousness, to rind 
my joy and delight in Thee, and to give offense 
to none. I know full well, that she who serves 
God will be comforted after affliction, delivered 
out of trouble, and find grace after her chasten- 
ings. Therefore let me also find with Thee, O 
God, grace after suffering, help after affliction, 
joy after tears, comfort after sadness. Turn all 
my enemies into friends, and give me grace and 
favor with all people. Hear my prayer, grant 
me Thy blessing, lead me by Thy hand, and pro- 
vide for me and mine according to Thy gracious 
promise. I was cast upon Thee from the womb ; 
therefore Thou wilt now be my Guard and 
Shield. Thou wilt preserve me and do good unto 
me, till Thou shalt bring me to eternal glory, 
where, with joyful lips, I shall jpraise Thee for 
evermore. Amen. 

HYMN. 

ll ; 10. 

Come, ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish ; 

Come to the mercy-seat, fervently kneel ; 
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your 
anguish ; — 

Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. 



$44 For tlu 1st of tlie Afflicted. 

Joy of the desolate, light of the straying, 

Hop^r. when all others die, fadeless and pure! 

Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying, 
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure. 

Here see the bread of Life; see waters flowing 
Forth from the throne of God. pure from 
above ; 
Come to the feast of love : come, ever knowing 

Earth has no sorrow but Ht-aven can remove. 

.".- -. 2, Thomas Moore, 1816. 
'■' ■ Z':::z: ~-J:.::: :r: -\ r /-/-" 



FORSAKEN ORPHANS TELL THEIR 
TROUBLES T<» GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

Psalm 27 : 10. When my father and my mother for- 
sake me. then the Lord will take me up. 

IF any state be sad. that of the orphans cer- 
tainly is. when, deprived of father and 
mother, they are compelled to live among 
strangers, and to eke out an existence by service. 
But while the state is a sad one, it is one which 
will bring great good to the sonl, if the orphans 
fear God. For children who have been deprived' 
of father and mother should remember I 1) that. 
though they have no parents on earth, they have 
a rich Father in heaven, who has adopted them 
as His own in Holv Baptism. Thi> heavenly 



Prayer of an Orphan. 345 

Father of theirs will never die; He is rich, and 
possesses all things which they need; He is 
mighty, and able to give them all things; He is 
an all-wise God, who knows how to carry out his 
beneficent purposes. 

Pious orphans should remember (2) that God 
often takes parents away in order to show how 
He can preserve, nourish, and support poor and 
forsaken children without their father and 
mother; yea, how He can bring them to honor, 
and bless them abundantly. He has already 
furnished thousands of examples of orphans who 
with joyful lips could declare with Jacob: "I 
had nothing but this staff when I passed over the 
Jordan. I started out in life with nothing but 
poverty and life itself; and therefore all that I 
now have is the gift of God." 

Orphans should, however, (3) cling fast to 
God in faith, be humble in their demeanor toward 
all, be industrious, prayerful, diligent in attend- 
ing the services in the Church, attentive to God's 
Word, chaste in life, upright in conduct, faith- 
ful in all their dealings, and honest in all their 
actions. They should, in particular, keep the 
fear of God before their eyes and in their heart, 
and not consent to any sin, nor act contrary to 
God's commandments. If they thus conduct 
themselves, God will certainly not forsake them, 
but will lead them wonderfully and gloriously, 



346 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

so that they shall have reason to praise His 
almighty power and love all the days of their life. 

PRAYER. 

O gracious and merciful God and Father! I 
poor, forsaken child cast myself before Thy ex- 
alted throne, and, in all humility and sincerity 
of heart, I pray Thee to take me into Thy Fath- 
erly care. Alas, it has pleased Thee in Thy wise 
counsel to deprive me of the care and training 
of my parents! And now, whither shall I go? I 
am an orphan ; I no longer have a father ! Who 
will now care for me? I therefore come to Thee, 

loving God and Father. Do Thou care for me, 
do Thou have compassion on me. I was cast 
upon Thee from the womb; Thou hast been my 
trust from my youth. Behold my father and 
my mother forsake me; but do Thou, Lord, 
take me up. 

O my God, who feedest the birds which fly 
over the fields, who clothest the flowers, and 
providest for the wild beasts of the forest : Thou 
wilt also, as a faithful Father, care for me, have 
mercy upon me, and be gracious unto me. Mine 
eyes turn to Thee. I lift up mine eyes unto the 
hills, whence cometh my help; my help cometh 
from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 

1 know that I am not forsaken by Thee, though 
I be forsaken by men. O how many examples 



Prayer of an Orphan. 347 

there are of children whose parents Thon didst 
permit to die, but whom Thou didst neverthe- 
less gloriously lead, provide for. and sustain. 

O God, who didst draw Moses out of the water. 
look upon me, who am almost overwhelmed by 
the waves of affliction. O Lord Jesus, who didst 
care for little children and bless them : bless me 
also; take me into the arms of Thy mercy, carry 
me, and preserve me from harm. O blessed Holy 
Spirit, who leadest the believing and the youth, 
lead me also. Show me Thy ways O Lord; lead 
me in Thy truth. Unite my heart to fear Thy 
name. O Triune God, be Thou my Preserver to 
guard me, my Helper to support me, my Guide 
to accompany me when I go out and in. Pro- 
vide me with good friends wherever I may go; 
raise up well-wishers and benefactors who shall 
pity my wretchedness. Let my guardians be 
filled with love toward me. Do good to them 
also according to" Thy mercy, preserve them from 
harm, and recompense to them in temporal, spir- 
itual, and heavenly blessings whatever good 
they do to me. 

Give me a humble and obedient heart, that I 
may not lose the favor and benefactions of my 
well-wishers through my obstinacy, vicious con- 
duct, malice, or wickedness. Guard me against 
temptations, that I may not by reason of my 
poverty deny Thee or fall from the faith: and 



348 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

help me to increase constantly in the knowledge 
and love of Thee. Let Thy good Spirit always 
lead, sanctify, rule, and keep me, lest I be led 
by evil company into wilful sin. Let me not fall 
into carousing or unchastity; and preserve me 
from a perverse heart. 

O gracious God and Father, make me afraid 
to follow godless ways; warn me when I am in 
danger of going astray; remind me of my duty 
when I am tempted to seek that which is evil; 
uphold me when I fall ; bring me back to the right 
path when I would wander from it; strengthen 
me when I am weak ; restore me to health when I 
am sick. O faithful God and Father, I commit 
myself entirely into Thy hands. Do Thou watch 
over my going out and my coming in. Then will 
I thank and praise Thee for all Thy goodness. 
My tongue shall say: This God hath wrought: 
God has blessed, preserved, accompanied, guided, 
and sustained me. I will tell abroad how Thou 
hast shown Thyself a gracious Father to me. 

O Lord, Lord, hear the prayer of the forsaken 
orphan, hear the voice of Thy child. Thou art 
become my Father in Holy Baptism; into Thy 
arms my parents laid me after my earthly birth. 
Thou art a rich and immortal Father, an all- 
wise and loving Father ; therefore be gracious to 
Thy child. I know Thou art able and willing 
to help me; therefore, O Lord, help me for Thy 



Prayer of an Orphan. 349 

goodness' sake, that I may, at last, be able to 
say to Thy praise: The Lord hath done great 
things for me ; whereof I am glad. Amen. 

HYMN. 

S. M. 

Thou very present Aid 

In suffering and distress ! 
The soul which still on Thee is stayed 

Is kept in perfect peace. 

The soul by faith reclined 

On his Redeemer's breast, 
Midst raging storms exults to find 

An everlasting rest. 



i & 



Sorrow and fear are gone, 
Whene'er Thy face appears ; 

It stills the sighing orphan's moan, 
And dries the widow's tears. 

It hallows every cross, 

It sweetly comforts me; 
Makes me forget my every loss, 

And find my all in Thee. 

Peace to the troubled heart, 
Health to the sin-sick mind; 

The wounded spirit's balm Thou art, 
The Healer of mankind. 

Jesus, to whom I fly, 

Doth all my wishes fill; 
In vain created streams are dry, 

I have the Fountain still. 



350 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

Stript of iny earthly friends, 

I find them all in One; 
And peace, and joy that neyer ends, 

And heaven, in Christ alone. 

C. Wesley, 1749. a. 



THE AFFLICTED PERSON COMPLAINS 
OF THE WEAKNESS OF HIS FAITH. 

MEDITATION. 

Isa. 42: 3. A bruised reed shall He not break, 
and the smoking flax shall He not quench. 
Luke 17: 5. Lord, increase our faith. 

IF there be anything that can frighten the 
belieying soul, it is the thought that it does 
not pray properly, that it has no faith at 
all, or that its faith is not a true, liying faith; 
and that consequently its salyation is doubtful. 
For such anxious souls there is comfort in the 
fact, (1) that a prayer uttered in the name of 
Jesus and in reliance upon His blood and 
righteousness is a true prayer, and that a weak 
faith is just as true and saying a faith as a strong 
one. A little child is just as truly a human be- 
ing as a large and strong man. Again, if we 
earnestly desire to belieye, (2) such a desire is 
already faith, because it is a result of the opera- 
tion of the Holy Spirit, A godless person does 
not desire to belieye. (3) A weak faith grasps 



When Faith is Weak. 351 

Christ, His holy merit and His wounds, just as 
a strong faith does. If we place a gold coin into 
the hand of a child or of a strong man, one has 
as much as the other. (1) Satan cannot extin- 
guish the light of faith in the heart, because he 
cannot even put out the light of a lamp at night. 
(5) Although we do not always feel the same 
joyfulness in prayer, faith is still present, just 
as a spark or ember is present under the ashes, 
though it be not seen. 

The certain proof that we have faith (6) is 
found in the existence of the conflict and hatred 
against sin. From this conflict proceed the fruits 
of faith (Gal. 5 :22) : love, joy, peace, long-suffer- 
ing, gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance; 
and such anxious souls fear to speak or to do 
evil. Where these things are found in a person, 
there there is faith and the Holy Spirit; for 
these things are not fruits of the flesh, ( Gal. 5 : 
19) but of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Faith 
and the Holy Spirit are inseparable. ( 7) Prayer, 
reading of the Holy Scriptures, patience, waiting 
upon God, — these strengthen faith. (8) Faith 
is a gift of God ; and God will not demand more 
of you than He has given you. (9) Christ also 
died for those whose faith is weak, and prays 
for them that their faith fail not. And even if 
you cannot believe this, it is nevertheless true, 
because the Scriptures say it. 



352 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

PRAYER. 

O gracious God, I know from Thy Holy Word 
that faith alone saves, and that without faith it 
is impossible to please Thee. But because I am 
anxious to please Thee and to be saved, I am 
alarmed at myself when I find at times so very 
little faith in my heart. Therefore do Thou kin- 
dle within my spirit the light of true faith, that 
I may know Thee, the only true God, as Thou 
hast revealed Thyself in Thy Word; and that I 
may from the heart believe Thy revealed Word, 
and accept with firm trust and unshaken confi- 
dence the promises of Thy grace and of the for- 
giveness of sins which Jesus has acquired for me. 

At times I think that I do not pray aright; 
that I have no faith at all; or that I shall not 
continue in the faith to the end. And I bring 
this complaint before Thee, my God, because I 
know that every good gift and every perfect gift 
cometh down from above. Because not all men 
have faith, and faith is Thy gift, I pray Thee, 
strengthen my weak faith. The bruised reed 
Thou wilt not break, and the smoking flax Thou 
wilt not quench. My God, engrave in my heart 
this comfort, that a prayer based on the merit, 
blood, and death of Jesus is a true prayer; and 
that a weak faith which clings to Thee, O Triune 
God, namely, to Thee, O heavenly Father, as our 



When Faith is Weak. 353 

Creator, to Thee, O Jesus, as our only Kedeemer 
and Saviour, and to Thee, O Holy Spirit as our 
Sanctifier and Comforter, is also a faith which 
is pleasing to Thee, and which saves. 

Grant also, if it be Thy will, that I may per- 
ceive the presence of faith in me through joyful- 
ness in prayer, a comforting sense of Thy grace, 
and a joyful hope. O my Jesus, intercede for me 
as Thou didst for Peter, that my faith fail not. 
Seal in me the consolation, that I have been pur- 
chased with Thy precious blood, and have been 
adopted as Thy child in Holy Baptism ; that my 
weak prayer is acceptable to God for the sake of 
Thy holy intercession; that Thy blood was shed 
for me also; and that I am justified and saved 
by Thee. 

And do Thou, O blessed Holy Spirit, work in 
me the true fruits of faith ; prompt me, sanctify 
me, rule me ; yea, dwell in me, and bear witness 
with my spirit that I am truly a child of God. 
Blessed be Thy holy name, that I find in myself 
a repugnance to sin, that I mourn over it and 
fight against it in prayer ; and that, on the other 
hand, I have a heart-felt desire to live for Thee 
alone, to serve and obey Thee; for from these 
things I see that Thou still dwellest in me. In- 
crease and preserve in me these fruits of faith, 
and cause them to become each day more sweet 

23 



354 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

and precious to me. If Thou wilt grant me this, 
O Triune God, I will gladly be satisfied with my 
weak faith. Amen. 



THE AFFLICTED PERSON COMPLAINS 
OF SINFUL, EVIL, AND BLAS- 
PHEMOUS THOUGHTS. 

MEDITATION. 

2 Cor. 12 : 7-9. The messenger of Satan to buffet 
me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this 
thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart 
from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient 
for thee ; for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 

IT is sad to hear a sick person complain of pain 
in all the members of his body; but it is 
still more sad when tempted souls must 
complain of sinful, evil, and blasphemous 
thoughts. For such afflicted souls there is com- 
fort in the fact, (1) that spiritual trials, sadness, 
terror, and anxiety of soul come upon us in ac- 
cordance with the will of God. For without 
God's will not a hair can fall from our head ; 
how much less could such anxiety of soul come 
upon us. 

Pious Christians, the children of God, (2) per- 
ceive these evil and horrible thoughts, and are 
frightened by them. The ungodly have them 



Against Sinful Thoughts. 355 

also, but laugh at tkein. (3) That the godly are 
frightened by them is a proof that they sincerely 
love God, that they stand in His grace and in 
the faith, and for this reason cannot bear to have 
such evil thoughts arise in their hearts. (4) 
This terror, this anxiety on account of blasphe- 
mous thoughts, is a sign that Jesus and the Holy 
Ghost still dwell in the heart. If Satan dwelt 
there, as the tempted ones imagine, they would 
not become frightened by such thoughts. 

But (5) such blasphemous thoughts God does 
not charge against the souls of the pious, (a) 
because these thoughts arise contrary to their 
will, (b) because they mourn over them, (c) be- 
cause they take no pleasure in them, (d), because 
they are filled with dismay when such thoughts 
come, and (e) because they resist them. (6) 
Temptation is not a sign of God's wrath, but of 
His grace. Such souls, notwithstanding their 
temptations, have a gracious God, as we see in the 
case of Job. God has not departed from them. 
He is still in their heart, but He hides Himself 
from them. (7) The soul, like a house into which 
fire-balls are cast, is passive and not active when 
such thoughts come. Therefore such a person 
should keep silent and not give utterance in 
words to the evil thoughts, nor relate them to 
foolish persons, lest he cause offense. (8) He 
should always resist, and say : "It is not true ; I 



356 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

am not condemned. Satan is condemned; 1 am 
redeemed. The evil word is not mine; I do not 
approve of it. Away with it from my heart. I 
am God's, and God is mine. Who is it that shall 
part us?" (9) He should not permit blasphemous 
thoughts to prevent him from praying and from 
reading God's Word, but should pray and read 
all the more. 

Because such souls declare (10) that they 
would rather walk on thorns or suffer pain of 
body than be troubled with such thoughts, and 
because they keep on their guard against sins 
and wicked works, it is clear beyond all doubt 
that faith, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, yea, the Holy 
Trinity, are still in their heart. (11) Even if, on 
account of their evil thoughts, they cannot pray 
nor let their thoughts dwell upon God, their com- 
plaint is in itself a prayer, and their sighing 
after God a certain sign of His presence. For 
the desire after God comes from indwelling 
grace, and their sighing and complaint consti- 
tute the most vehement, earnest, and powerful 
prayers. 

Though they imagine (12) that they displease 
God in all that they do, God does not regard 
them unfavorably, but looks upon their will and 
desire. They imagine that they are the ones who 
are the very farthest from God ; yet they are the 
ones who are nearest to Him. They imagine that 



Against Sinful Thoughts. 357 

they are the most wicked ; yet they are the most 
faithful. They imagine that they are the re- 
jected ones; yet they are the dearest. (13) They 
should patiently endure ; for there is no instance 
in which God forsook such persons. He glad- 
dens, quickens, and comforts them again. But 
we must wait till the proper time comes, just as 
we must wait till a disease has run its course. 
In time this spiritual disease gradually abates 
and finally ceases, as the experience of pious 
persons in the past has proved. 

These temptations (14) make man humble, 
devout, cautious, and pious, so that he will not 
readily do or say what is evil. They purify the 
heart from evil habits and vices, and from luke- 
warmness in prayer, and increase its interest 
in the hearing of God's Word. Is not this a 
blessed result? 

These reasons (15) we should contemplate one 
after another, or have them further explained by 
friends of God. At the same time, we should 
use such medicine as may be needful to improve 
the condition of our bodily health, keep ourselves 
employed, take walks in the company of Chris- 
tian persons out in the open air, in the garden, 
or in the country, and, except when we want to 
pray, avoid being alone. We should seek the 
society of other Christian people, children, and 
servants, as much as possible. To join others in 



358 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

singing will be edifying also. We should fre- 
quently read the eighth chapter of Bonians, and 
the twenty-seventh and eighty-eighth Psalm. 

PRAYER. 

O Thou Holy God, who inhabitest the praises 
of Israel, and whom all the holy angels and the 
elect unceasingly praise and exalt! Distressed 
in soul I deeply lament to Thee, that I am greatly 
hindered in Thy worship by evil and blasphem- 
ous thoughts, which so frequently and almost 
daily arise in my heart. Thou, all-knowing God, 
knowest well that they fall upon me like flying 
arrows; and that they distress and terrify me. 
Thou knowest that I am grieved by them, and 
weep bitterly when these fiery arrows pierce me. 

O my God, do not charge to my account what 
takes place against my will. Thou seest how I 
fight and wrestle, how I pray against such 
thoughts, what a horror I have of them, and how 
gladly I would banish them from my heart. 
Lord, let not Thy hand be too heavy upon me, 
lest I perish. I will cheerfully drink the cup 
which Thou, O dear Father, pourest out for me. 
Only let it not be a cup of wrath, but a cup of 
grace. O have mercy upon me; for I am weak. 

O how I tremble when I notice that the evil 
thoughts are approaching again ! O do not cast 
me off on account of them ; for I cannot prevent 



Against Sinful Thoughts. 359 

them. This is my infirmity; but I will remem- 
ber the years of the right hand of the most High. 
Quicken me, O Triune God; and when the evil 
hour and the anguish are past, let me experience 
Thy holy presence and Thy rich consolations. 
In the midst of my anguish speak a word of 
comfort to my heart, that I may cling to it and 
by its means rise and defend myself bravely. 
Should this affliction endure long, grant me also 
great patience and strength. Let not my faith 
fail, but bear witness with my spirit that I am 
nevertheless Thy child and an heir of everlast- 
ing life. 

And now, my God, I will cheerfully endure 
these temptations, because I know that Thou 
hast sent them, not for my destruction, but for 
the purpose of awakening me unto righteousness, 
of purifying me from sin, evil habits, and worldly 
ways, and sanctifying my life. Shall I not drink 
the cup which my Father has placed to my lips? 
Does it not come from loving hands? This fire 
is meant to burn the evil lusts and the old Adam 
out of my heart, and to consecrate it to Thee, O 
mighty God, as a temple and dwelling-place. 
Therefore in the midst of my distress I say : Thou 
art still my Father, my Deliverer, my Helper, 
and my Defense. Grant me the power of Thy 
Holy Spirit to strengthen me for the fight, and to 
help me to overcome. 



360 For the Use of the Afflicted. 

Thou hast said, that none who wait on Thee 
shall be ashamed. In Thee, O Lord, do I put 
hit trust ; let me never he ashamed : deliver me 
in Thy righteousness; deliver me speedily. Be 
Thou my strong rock, for an house of defense 
to save me. For Thy name's sake lead me and 
guide me. Thou hast said that Thy kindness 
shall not depart from me, and that mercy shall 
be built up forever. O Lord, Lord, let now the 
light of Thy grace arise and fill my heart with 
joy. O my Father, let the hour come in which 
Thou wilt take away this distress of soul. 
Strengthen me, help me. Guard my heart as 
with a wall, keep watch over it as over the house 
of Job, that at last the evil thoughts may no 
longer enter; vea, that I mav, through Thv 
power, learn to despise them. faithful God. 
Thou wilt not let me be tempted above that I am 
able! Alleviate my distress, and I will regard 
that as a help, till at last Thou shalt free me 
from it entirely. O Jesus, Thou fountain of all 
grace, who castest out none who come to Thee in 
their weakness, but givest rt ro all : let me 

find grace in Thy sight. Amen. 



Hymn. 361 



HYMN. 



10s. 



Weary of earth, and laden with my sin, 
I look at heaven, and long to enter in : 
But there no evil thing may find a home; 
And yet I hear a voice that bids me come. 

So vile I am, how dare I hope to stand 
In the pure glory of that holy land, 
Before the whiteness of that throne appear? 
Yet there are hands outstretched to draw me 
near. 

The while I fain would tread the heavenly way, 
Seems ever evil with me day by day : 
Yet on mine ears the gracious tidings fall, 
Kepent, confess, thou shalt be loosed from all. 

It is the voice of Jesus that I hear ; 

His are the hands stretched out to draw me near ; 

And His the blood that can for all atone, 

And set me faultless there before the throne. 

'TAvas He who found me on the deathly wild, 
And made me heir of heaven, the Father's child, 
And day by day, whereby my soul may live, 
Gives me His grace of pardon, and will give. 

O Great Absolver, grant my soul may wear 
The lowliest garb of penitence and prayer, 
That in Thy Father's courts my glorious dress 
May be the garment of Thy righteousness. 

Samuel J. Stone, 1866. 



BOOK III 



For the Use of the Sick. 



MORNING PEAYER OP A SICK PERSON. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 55 : 16, 17. As for me, I will call upon God ; and 
the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at 
noon, will I pray, and cry aloud; and He shall hear my 
voice. 

IF God should permit us to become ill, we 
should not on that account cease praying. 
On the contrary we should pray all the 
more earnestly. The more our illness increases, 
the more fervently we should pray, just as the 
Saviour did. For we read of Him in Luke 
22 : 44 : "And being in an agony, He prayed 
more earnestly." 

When God has cast any person upon a bed 
of sickness, such a person (1) should at the dawn 
of day lift up his heart to God, and praise Him 
for the protection vouchsafed during the night. 
If the night has been a painful and restless 
one, he should pray God for help. If the night 
has been restful and comfortable, he should give 

(362) 



Morning Prayer. 363 

God thanks. Having thus turned his thoughts 
to God, he should (2) bring his supplications 
before Him, and commend himself to God's care 
and protection through the day. He should 
think often of God, and patiently bear whatever 
God sends. 

At the same time he should (3) remember, 
that Jesus is by his sick-bed to quicken and 
strengthen, to teach and instruct him. Perhaps 
the sick person, before he was taken ill, was 
negligent in attending divine services and remiss 
in his prayers. If so, God now desires, by lay- 
ing bare his faults, to teach him to pray more 
earnestly, and to realize that he is lacking in 
comfort and consolation just because he neg- 
lected, in days of health, to gather a fund of 
comforting Scripture-passages and prayers. If, 
on the other hand, the sick person is one who 
has loved God and His Word, God desires to 
show him how he may now put into practice 
what he has learned concerning 'patience, trust 
in God, resignation, and submission to God's 
will. 

PRAYER. 

O Thou Holy Triune God, Father, Son and 
Holy Ghost! I come before Thy holy throne in 
this morning hour, and thank Thee that Thou 
hast let me live to see this day. Thou knowest, 



364 For the Use of the Sick. 

Lord, that I have spent the night in this sick- 
bed. And yet I cannot sufficiently praise Thy 
goodness for permitting me to behold again the 
light of the sun, and letting the pain and the 
discomfort pass away. O God of love ! I thank 
Thee for Thy protection and help. Thine eye 
kept watch over me, Thy hand shielded me, Thy 
grace preserved me. 

O my God! The sun now rises again; let 
Thy grace shine upon me anew. Grant me with 
this day new strength, new grace, and new 
patience to bear my sufferings willingly. O 
Lord, my God! It has pleased Thee to lay me 
upon this bed of sickness. Thy will be done; I 
will remain here as long as it pleases Thee to 
have it so. Perhaps Thou wouldest by this 
means cut me loose from sinful habits and from 
my ordinary occupation, in order that Thou 
mayest speak with me, and teach me how I 
should care for my soul. Now I have time to 
examine into my past life and see whether I 
have served, honored, and obeyed Thee. Thou 
wouldest have me to mourn over my sins, to be 
filled with shame before Thee, sincerely to re- 
pent, to renew my covenant with Thee, and 
henceforth to work out my own salvation with 
fear and trembling. 

Grant, O Jesus, that through the entire day I 
may direct my heart to Thee, pray fervently, 



Morning Prayer. 365 

think of Thy wounds, Thy blood and Thy death, 
and reflect upon the true happiness and the 
eternal salyation of my soul. Speak to ray heart 
one comforting Scripture yerse after another, to 
assure me of Thy Fatherly loye, to seal Thy 
grace unto me, and to persuade me of Thy speedy 
help. Preserye me to-day against sudden acci- 
dents, new pains, gloomy hours, and eyery man- 
ner of suffering. Refresh me in my faintness 
and strengthen me in my weakness through Thy 
Holy Spirit. If, howeyer, Thou shouldest be 
pleased to let me endure pain and suffering, then 
be with me and forsake me not. Help me to 
bring the day to a happy and blessed end, and 
to accept with resignation and quiet courage all 
that Thou mayest be pleased to lay upon me. 

Behold, my God, here am I; do with me as 
it pleases Thee. Thou art my Father ; I am Thy 
child ; Thou canst preserye my life and gladden 
me with Thy help. When eyening comes, I will 
praise Thy goodness, and joyfully extol Thy 
mercy for all that Thou hast done unto me. 
Amen. 

HYMN: 

C. M. 

Affliction is a stormy deep, 

Where waye resounds to waye; 

Though o'er my head the billows roll, 
I know the Lord can saye. 



866 For the Use of the Sick. 

The hand that now withholds my joys 

Can re-instate my peace : 
And He who bade the tempest roar 

Can bid the tempest cease. 

In the dark watches of the night 
I'll count His mercies o'er; 

I'll praise Him for ten thousand past, 
And humbly sue for more. 

When darkness and when sorrows rose 

And pressed on every side, 
The Lord has still sustained my steps, 

And still has been my Guide. 

Here will I rest, and build my hopes, 

Nor murmur at His rod ; 
He's more than all the world to me, 

My health, my Life, my God. 

— Nathaniel Cotton, ijgi. a. 



EVENING PRAYER OF A SICK PERSON. 

Psalm 77 : 1-3. I cried unto God with my voice, even 
unto God with my voice ; and He gave ear unto me. 
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord : my sore 
ran in the night and ceased not : my soul refused to 
be comforted. I remembered God and was troubled : I 
complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. 

IN view of the thousand accidents which may 
happen to us by day and by night, we 
should never arise in the morning nor 
retire at night without commending our body 
and soul to the mighty protection of God. This 



Evening Prayer. 367 

is still more true in the case of a sick person. 
If God has helped him to pass a day of his 
sickness, he should (1) thank God for His 
gracious help. If God has blessed the medicine, 
and made his sufferings endurable, he should 
heartily thank God for it. At the same time 
he should pray for forgiveness if he has com- 
plained or murmured against God. And when 
night approaches, a time which sick persons par- 
ticularly dread, he should (2) again come before 
God in prayer, and beseech Him graciously to 
ward off all dangerous accidents and pain. 

When he has thus committed himself, body 
and soul, to God's care, he should not doubt (3) 
but that the Triune God will be his light and 
strength by night, keep guard about his bed, 
care for him, and protect him. He should be 
confident that God will, for the sake of the blood 
and death of Jesus, forgive him his sins and be 
gracious to him. And if during the night the 
hour of death should come, the Triune God will 
embrace him with the arms of His mercy, and 
send His holy angels to lead the departing soul 
to heaven. With such good thoughts in his mind, 
the sick person should yield himself completely 
to the wisdom, love and grace of God. 



368 For the Use of the Sick. 

PRAYER. 

O merciful God, I have lived through another 
day. Lord, Lord, in Thy goodness Thou hast 
spared ray life till this hour. And I give Thee 
praise and thanks for Thy fatherly faithfulness. 
Especially do I praise Thy name, because Thou 
hast helped me to bear my pain and sickness 
to-day. Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth 
our burdens, even the God who is our salva- 
tion. He that is our God is the God of salva- 
tion; and unto God the Lord belong the issues 
from death. Though the Lord cause grief, yet 
will He have compassion according to the multi- 
tude of His mercies. For Thou, Lord, art good, 
and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy 
unto all them that call upon Thee. Thou de- 
liverest the needy when he crieth, and hidest 
not Thyself from his supplications. 

O mighty God ! The day is far spent, the night 
is at hand. Therefore I turn to Thee in prayer, 
and say: My father, abide with me, and leave 
me not this night. Command Thy angel to come 
and guard me, who am Thine own, against the 
assaults of Satan. Ward off from me this night 
all sudden and dangerous attacks, soothe my pain 
and guard me against fright, anxiety, and mis- 
fortune. O heavenly Father, remain with me, 
Thy sick child; for if Thou, gracious God, art 




CHRIST HEALING THE SICK CHILD. 



Evening Prayer. 369 

present, I shall not be afraid. The Lord is my 
light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The 
Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I 
be afraid? 

O Jesus, the sun is about to set and disap- 
pear from sight ; but do Thou, the Sun of Kight- 
eousness, continue to shine upon me. O my 
Saviour, fold me this night in Thy arms. Let 
Thy left hand be my pillow, Thy right hand my 
covering. Grant that I may sleep in Thee, and, 
even in sleep, dwell upon Thy blood which was 
shed for me and Thy wounds which were endured 
for me. Let me find in them comfort, forgive- 
ness, and strengthening of soul. O blessed Holy 
Spirit ! My fellow-men, with but few exceptions, 
now leave me ; but do Thou, O Comforter of the 
sorrowing and Helper of the needy, remain with 
me. Strengthen me and keep me in true faith 
and Christian patience. 

Holy Trinity, take me under Thy guardian 
care. The Lord bless me and keep me ; the Lord 
make His face shine upon me and be gracious 
unto me ; the Lord lift up His countenance upon 
me, and give me peace. Amen, 



24 



370 For the Use of the Sick. 



HYMN. 

O Thou, from whom all goodness flows, 
I lift my heart to Thee; 
In all my sorrows, conflicts, woes, 
Dear Lord, remember me. 



When on my aching, burdened heart 

My sins lie heavily, 
My pardon speak, new peace impart; 

In love remember me. 

Temptations sore obstruct my way, 

And ills I cannot flee; 
O give me strength, Lord, as my day; 

For good, remember me. 

Distrest with pain, disease, and grief, 

This feeble body see; 
Grant patience, rest, and kind relief ; 

Hear, and remember me. 

When in the solemn hour of death 

I wait Thy just decree : 
Be this the prayer of my last breath, 

Good Lord, remember me. 

And when before Thy throne I stand 

And lift my soul to Thee, 
Then, with the saints at Thy right hand, 

Good Lord, remember me. 

— Thomas Ha wet's, 1792. a. 



C. M. 



Prayer for Patience. 371 

THE SICK PERSON PRAYS FOR 
PATIENCE. 

MEDITATION. 

Psalm 42: 11. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? 
and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in 
God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of 
my countenance, and my God. 

FOR ye have need of patience, that, after ye 
have done the will of God, ye might re- 
ceive the promise." Thus we are ad- 
monished in Hebrews 10 : 36. And certainly, 
whoever would do the will of God, dare not be 
rebellious and self-willed, but must be patient 
and resigned. 

The sick person should be moved to patience 
(1) by the example of Christ, who amid the great- 
est sufferings opened not His mouth, but was led 
as a lamb to the slaughter. If we would be joint- 
heirs with Him in glory, we must suffer pa- 
tiently as He did. The sick person should (2) re- 
member that his sickness has come upon him in 
accordance with the will of God. Not a spar- 
row, and not a hair of our head, falleth without 
His will ; how much less can so great a burden 
and sickness come upon any one without His 
will. The sick person should be moved to pa- 
tience (3) by the remembrance of God's love and 
almighty power. What God lays upon us, He 



372 For the Use of the Sick. 

can also remove ; He needs but to speak a word, 
and the sick are made well. 

The sick person should bear in mind, (4) that 
he has by his sins deserved much greater suffer- 
ings than those which he is enduring; and that 
therefore, instead of becoming impatient, he 
should humble himself before God in true re- 
pentance and faith, and pray for mercy. (5) 
The sick person should remember that impa- 
tience does not make the cross lighter but 
heavier; that God has promised to help us to 
bear the cross which He lays upon us ; but that 
He has not promised to help us bear our im- 
patience, because that is not from Him but from 
ourselves. 

PRAYER. 

Merciful God, Gracious Father! Behold I 
poor mortal lie here upon this bed of sickness, 
and cannot move from it. But I come to Thee, 
and appear before Thy exalted throne. It has 
pleased Thee, my Father, to lay this affliction 
upon me, and to send me sickness instead of the 
health which I hitherto enjoyed. Now therefore, 
O God and Father, Thy will be done; but grant 
me patience, so that I may bear it all without 
murmuring or rebelling. 

Thou hast blessed me with many pleasant 
days ; shall I not also bear evil days when Thou 



Prayer for Patience. 373 

seest fit to send them? Though Thou hast chas- 
tened me sore, Thou wilt not forsake me. Since 
I have received good at Thy hands, and have 
often been refreshed and gladdened by Thee in 
days of health, I will by Thy grace, bear these 
days of sickness and suffering in patience. In 
all humility I will call to mind the good and 
happy days of health which I have enjoyed in 
my life-time, and compared with which these 
few hours of suffering are hardly sufficient to be 
counted. 

I know, O God, that Thou art loving and 
gracious; therefore Thou wilt not lay upon me 
a greater burden than I can bear. I cling to 
Thy Word which says: "God is faithful, who 
will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye 
are able ; but will with the temptation also make 
a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 

my God, Thou knowest how much I am able to 
bear ; Thou knowest my weakness : and there- 
fore Thou wilt regulate my sufferings according 
to my strength. Look upon Thy weak and sick 
child, and deal with me according to Thy 
Fatherly love. I do not refuse to suffer; for 

1 know that Thy thoughts toward me are 
thoughts of good, and that Thou wouldest have 
my sufferings promote my sanctification. 

My God, here am I; do with me as seemeth 
good in Thy sight. Grant me grace to realize 



374 For the Use of the Sick. 

that it is Thy holy purpose to employ this sick- 
ness as a purifying fire, which shall consume and 
remove from my soul the impurities which still 
cling to it ; as an alarm-bell, which shall awaken 
me to a consideration of my sins, that I may 
repent ; as a prayer-bell, which shall call on me 
to seek the forgiveness of all my transgressions 
for the sake of the blood and death of Jesus ; 
yea, as a voice which calls to me, "Set thy house 
in order, and think of thy death and the grave; 
prepare thyself for eternity." 

Be it so; and do Thou prepare and fashion 
me in such a manner as to make me what Thou 
wouldest have me to be in eternity. For I know 
that an eternal and transcendent glory shall fol- 
low upon the sufferings of this present time. 
Therefore be calm, my soul ! Why art thou cast 
down, and why art thou disquieted within me? 
Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, 
who is the health of my countenance and my 
God. Amen. 



Hymn. 375 



C. M. D. 



HYMN. 

Lord, it belongs not to my care 

Whether I die or live: 
To love and serve Thee is my share, 

And this Thy grace must give. 
If life be long, I will be glad 

That I may long obey; 
If short, yet why should I be sad 

To soar to endless day? 



Christ leads me through no darker rooms 

Than He went through before: 
He that into God's kingdom comes 

Must enter by this door. 
Come, Lord, when grace has made me meet 

Thy blessed face to see; 
For if Thy works on earth be sweet, 

What will Thy glory be? 

Then shall I end my sad complaints, 

And weary sinful days, 
And join with the triumphant saints 

That sing Jehovah's praise. 
My knowledge of that life is small, 

The eye of faith is dim; 
But 'tis enough that Christ knows all, 

And I shall be with Him. 

—Richard Baxter, 1681. a. 



376 For the Use of the Sick. 



THE SICK PERSON PRAYS FOR GOD'S 
HELP. 

MEDITATION. 

Psalm 54 : 4. Behold, God is mine helper : the Lord 
is with them that uphold my soul. 

IT IS a great comfort to have a good friend 
in time of suffering or misfortune. While 
it may happen that a needy person, a 
stranger, or a poor person lacks an earthly friend 
and helper to say to him: "How are you"; we 
Christians know for a certainty that God is the 
Helper of all the needy. 

For God (1) has promised His help and grace 
to all His children. Therefore a sick person 
should not despair, even if he sees that all men 
forsake him, and that none has pity on him; 
and should firmly believe that God will not for- 
sake him, but will, at the right time, send him 
help and deliverance. (2) Again, if a sick per- 
son has good friends and sufficient means to 
provide for his wants, and yet nothing seems 
to help him, he should not on this account lose 
courage nor doubt the promises of God, but 
should be confident that God will be near to him 
with His help in all his sorrowful hours. (3) 
This help is experienced either through the pre- 
servation of the patient's life, or the alleviation 



Prayer for God's Help. 377 

of his pain, or the bestowal of sufficient strength 
to enable him to endure even the severest suf- 
ferings. Yea, God is faithful ; He is often near 
to us when we imagine He is far from us. 

PRAYER. 

O Faithful God! Thou beholdest my sad and 
wretched condition. My strength is failing, my 
flesh is wasting away, and the cross presses ever 
more heavily upon me. Lord, O Lord, my God, 
who nearest my supplications and who seest 
my sufferings! I beseech Thee most fervently, 
Kemain with me and forsake me not. I plead 
Thy promises in which Thou hast assured me: 
"Fear not; for I am with thee; be not dis- 
mayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen 
Thee: yea, I will help Thee; yea I will uphold 
thee with the right hand of my righteousness." 
And again : "I will not leave thee nor forsake 
thee." And now, O my God, I depend upon 
Thy Word. I need Thy help so badly ; I cannot 
endure my sufferings, if Thou wilt not abide 
with me and help me to bear them. My sick- 
ness will soon overwhelm and destroy me, if 
Thy hand sustain me not. Eemember that I 
am but dust. O how easily this earthen mold, 
my body, can be broken; how readily I sink; 
how speedily my life will pass away and how 



378 For the Use of the Sick. 

soon my end will come, if Thou wilt not, by Thy 
divine power and Thy Fatherly hand, uphold 
me, and, according to Thy mercy and gracious 
promises, support me; Thy help is my greatest 
comfort; for if Thou, O God, art with me, I am 
not afraid. 

If it be comforting to me to have my friends 
surround my bed in the day-time or watch over 
me at night, how much more comforting it is to 
have Thee, my God, with me! Men may indeed 
pity me and express their sympathy for me ; but 
if Thou art with me, then I have the best Helper, 
Deliverer, and Physician by my side. Thy holy 
presence will quicken and sustain me, assuage 
my pain, and quiet my anxious heart. There- 
fore, leave me not, neither forsake me, O God 
of my salvation. As a mother will not forsake 
her child, so Thou, O God, wilt not forsake me. 
Let me experience Thy gracious presence in the 
inward joy, the blessed consolation, the sweet 
thoughts, which Thy presence brings. Comfort 
me in my sufferings as a mother comforts her 
child. O my God, confirm my faith, sustain my 
strength, help me to fight and gain the victory. 
Thy strength is made perfect in my weakness. 
I can do all things through Christ, who strength- 
eneth me. Amen. 



Hymn. 379 



HYMN. 

c. M. D. 

Thou art my Hiding-place, O Lord! 

On Thee I fix my trust, 
Encouraged by Thy holy Word, 

A feeble child of dust. 
I have no argument beside, 

I urge no other plea ; 
And 'tis enough the Saviour died, 

The Saviour died for me. 

When storms of fierce temptations beat, 

And furious foes assail, 
My refuge is the mercy-seat, 

My hope within the veil. 
From strife of tongues and bitter words 

My spirit flies to Thee : 
Joy to my heart the thought affords, 
My Saviour died for me. 

'Mid trials heavy to be borne, 

When mortal strength is vain, 
A heart with grief and anguish torn, 

A body racked with pain : 
Ah, what could give the sufferer rest, 

Bid every murmur flee, 
But this, the witness in my breast 

That Jesus died for me. 

And when Thy awful voice commands 

This body to decay, 
And life, in its last lingering sands, 

Is ebbing fast away, 



380 For the Use of the Sick. 

Then, though it be in accents weak, 
And faint and tremblingly, 

O give me strength in death to speak, 
"My Sayiour died for me." 

— Thomas Raffles, 1833. 



THE SICK PERSON REALIZES THAT HE 
IS MORTAL. 

MEDITATION. 

Job 14 : 1, 2. Man that is born of a woman is of 
few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a 
flower, and is cut down ; he fleeth also as a shadow, and 
continueth not. 

ALTHOUGH all men are mortal, and every 
day some die and are buried, few re- 
flect upon their mortality as long as they 
are well and prosperous. Hence God sometimes 
reminds them of it through sickness. For when 
the healthy sicken and wither like the rose, and 
the strong become weak, they begin to realize 
their mortality. 

Sincere Christians should daily call to mind 
that they are mortal. When they undress at 
night and put on their night-clothes they should 
remember that some day others will undress 
them and clothe them in a shroud. And when 
God sends illness upon them, they should pic- 
ture to their minds their approaching end. It 



Man is Mortal. 381 

is a delusion of Satan to imagine that, if we do 
not think of death, we shall not die. For whether 
Ave think of it or not, our end will come when- 
ever it pleases God. He who prepares himself 
for a happy death will die in peace. 

A man should also be reminded of his mor- 
tality (2) when he thinks of his ancestors who 
have died. He should bear in mind that his 
turn will come also. Blessed is he (3) who in 
view of his mortality apprehends Christ by faith 
and perseveres in a godly. Christian life, until 
death. Such an one, when he dies, will not really 
die, but will enter for Christ's sake upon eter- 
nal life. 

PRAYER. 

My God! It has pleased Thee, in accordance 
with Thy counsel and purpose, to lay me upon 
this bed of sickness, and thus, drawing me aside 
from my occupation and from my sins and evil 
habits, not only to admonish me truly to repent, 
but also to remind me of my death, and to im- 
press upon me the fact that I am mortal. Be- 
hold, Thou hast made my days as an hand- 
breadth; and mine age is as nothing before 
Thee: verily, every man at his best state is al- 
together vanity. 

My God, since sickness is a monitor of death, 
I realize thoroughly that I am a human being. 



382 For the Use of the Sick. 

and mortal. I am but dust, and to dust I shall 
return. I look upon my open grave as my 
mother's lap, in which my body shall calmly rest 
and sleep. I know that it is appointed unto 
men once to die, but after this the judgment ; and 
I have often prayed in my days of health : Lord, 
make me to know mine end, and the measure 
of my days, what it is; that I may Know how 
frail I am. I know that I must leave every- 
thing behind me, my property, my honors, my 
earthly happiness, and all that I possess in this 
world. For here I have no continuing city, but 
I seek one to come. 

Dost Thou seek, O Lord, by means of this 
sickness to remind me of my end as Thou didst 
Hezekiah, and to say to me as to him : Set thine 
house in order, for thou shalt die and not live? 
O then grant me grace gladly to meditate upon 
my mortality and my approaching end, and to 
reflect that I shall, perhaps, never rise from this 
bed, and that I have perhaps spent my last year 
on earth, and completed the number of my days 
which Thou hast written in Thy book : in order 
that I may, by prayer, repentance, and faith, and 
by an honest examination into my past life, pre- 
pare myself for a happy departure from this 
world. Let me realize, my God, that I shall not 
die any sooner because I prepare myself for a 
happy end, but that I shall, by such preparation, 



Man is Mortal. 383 

be drawn away from the world and from sin, and 
be hallowed to Thee; yea, that Thou hast sent 
this sickness upon me for the very purpose of 
having me thus prove, examine, and prepare 
myself, die to the world, and live in Thee. Be- 
hold, O God, here am I: call my soul hence 
whenever it pleases Thee. But first prepare me 
thoroughly, that, when I die, I may be found 
in Thy grace, and may depart in peace. Amen. 



HYMN. 

L. M. 6 lines. 

Who knows how near my end may be? 

Time speeds away, and death comes on. 
How swiftly, ah, how suddenly 

May death be here, and life be gone! 
My God, for Jesus sake I pray 
Thy peace may bless my dying day. 

O Father, cover all my sins 

With Jesus' merits, who alone 
The pardon that I covet wins, 

And makes His long-sought Best my own. 
My God, for Jesus' sake I pray 
Thy peace may bless my dying day. 

Then death may come or tarry yet; 

I know in Christ I perish not. 
He never will His own forget; 

He gives me robes without a spot. 
My God, for Jesus' sake I pray 
Thy peace may bless my dying day. 



384 For the Use of the Sick. 

And thus I live in God at peace, 
And die without a thought of fear, 

Content to take what God decrees, 
For through His Son my faith is clear ; 

His grace shall be in death my Stay, 

And peace shall bless my dying day. 

—Emilia Juliana, Countess of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, 1688. 
Miss Winkworth, Tr. 1858. 



THE SICK PERSON RESIGNS HIMSELF 
TO LIVE OR DIE. 

MEDITATION. 

Matt. 26 : 39. And He went a little farther, and fell 
on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be 
possible, let this cup pass from me ; nevertheless not as 
I will, but as Thou wilt. 

GOD'S will is always the best. We are, 
indeed, accustomed to speak these 
words. But when we are to. submit to 
His will completely, and to be satisfied with 
what is contrary to our own will, we often find 
that this is by no means easy. But a person 
whom God has cast upon a bed of sickness 
should (1) remember that it is God's will that 
he should be sick. Therefore he should beware 
of impatience ; otherwise it will be evident that 
he is not satisfied with God's will. (2) He should 
look at the example of Jesus Christ, who, in the 



Resignation to God's Will 385 

midst of the greatest sufferings and anguish, 
and while the sweat, like great drops of blood, 
trickled from his brow, nevertheless prayed: 
"Father, not My will but Thine be done." 
Such submission and resignation to His will 
is pleasing to God, and is a mark of God's 
children. To rebel against God's will would not 
be of any avail in any case. For if God has 
determined that the sickness shall be mortal, His 
will will nevertheless be done, and no amount 
of rebelliousness will prevent death from com- 
ing. (4) Therefore it is best for the sick per- 
son to say: "Behold, Lord, here am I; do with 
me as seemeth good in Thy sight. I desire to 
live longer, if it be Thy will. But I am also 
ready to die, if Thou wilt have it so." 

PRAYER. 

O kind and gracious and merciful God! Con- 
fined in body to my bed of sickness, I yet come 
in spirit before Thy holy throne with my sigh- 
ing and supplication. I see that it is Thy will, 
O God, that I should lie here sick, and be de- 
prived for a season of the blessed gift of health. 
But since it is Thy will, it shall be mine also. 
Thy will and my will shall be one. I was born 
according to Thy will, and I will die when Thou 
wilt. I was well a long time according to Thy 

25 



886 For the Use of the &ick. 

will, and now I am willing to be sick according to 
Thy good pleasure and as long as Thou seest that 
it will be good and profitable for my soul. Yea, 
my God; even if it were possible for me to 
get well in opposition to Thy will, I would not 
desire to do so; but would rather fulfill Thy 
gracious purposes upon my sick-bed. Therefore 
I will now say with Jesus : Father, not my will, 
but Thine be done. And again, The Lord's will 
be done. Should I live longer in this world, I 
will continue to praise Thee, and spend in Thy 
service and in true piety the years which Thou 
dost grant me upon earth. But if it be Thy will 
that I shall not rise again from this bed, but 
die of this disease, do Thou make me ready for 
a happy death. I know that some time my 
earthly house of this tabernacle shall be dis- 
solved; but I also know that I have a building 
of God, an house not made with hands, eternal 
in the heavens. In heaven is my heritage, my 
fatherland, my citizenship. Why should I not 
rejoice to enter upon my inheritance, to hasten 
to my fatherland, and to enjoy the glory of the 
children of God. Though I have reason to pray 
for the prolonging and preservation of my life, 
it is still a question whether it would not be 
better for me to depart and to be with Christ, 
to behold my Saviour, whom I loved even while 
I did not see Him. Therefore, O God, I leave 



Resignation to GocVs Witt. 38? 

it all to Thee; Thou knowest best what is salu- 
tary for me, Behold, here am I; the Lord do 
with me as seemeth good in His sight. Amen. 



S. M. D. 



HYMN. 

We know, by faith we know, 

If this vile house of clay, 
This tabernacle, sink below . 

In ruinous decay : 
We have a house above, 

Xot made with mortal hands; 
And firm as our Eedeemer's love 

That heavenly fabric stands. 

It stands securely high, 

Indissoluble sure; 
Our glorious mansion in the sky 

Shall evermore endure. 
O may we enter there, 

To perfect heaven restored! 
O may we be caught up to share 

The triumph of our Lord! 



O let us put on Thee 

In perfect holiness, 
And rise prepared Thy face to see, 

Thy bright unclouded face! 
Thy grace with glory crown, 

Who hast the earnest given; 
And then triumphantly come down, 

And take us up to heaven. 

— C. Wesley, 1744. a. 



388 For the Use of the Sick. 



THE SICK PERSON REALIZES THAT THE 

CROSS AND AFFLICTION COME 

FROM GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

1 Sam. 2: 6. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive; 
He bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 

GOD is Love; and He loves men tenderly. 
Christians experience His love every 
day in the gracious help and the bene- 
fits which they receive at His hands. They 
behold it also in His great works of love, Crea- 
tion, Redemption and Sanctification. 

Since God is Love, the sick person (1) can 
say, "My affliction does not come from my enemy 
who hates me, but from God who loves me. It 
comes from my Father, who from my youth up 
has granted me help in manifold perils and 
emergencies." And when this conviction is es- 
tablished in the soul, it enables the sick person 
(2) to comfort himself with the thought: "My 
Father does not mean to do harm to His child; 
my faithful Friend retains His loving heart, 
even though He has sent affliction upon me." 
Therefore the sick person (3) should compose 
himself in reliance upon God, and pray dili- 
gently. He should lay his weary head in God's 



The Cross comes from God. 389 

arms, look with joy and courage to heaven, and 
say to himself: "He who has sent me my 
trouble knows well how to end it." He should 
especially see to it, that he does not permit him- 
self to be made doubtful of God's love by the 
severity of his disease or by the greatness of 
his pain or by the threatening danger. For here 
also we have the consolation that the Lord "daily 
beareth our burden, even the God who is our sal- 
vation. Unto Jehovah the Lord belong the is- 
sues from death." Ps. 68 :19, 20 (Rev. Ver.). 

PRAYER. 

O Lord God, who art full of compassion, and 
gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy 
and truth; who forgivest iniquity, transgres- 
sion, and sin, who dost not keep Thine anger 
forever; and who hast mercy upon the afflicted, 
and raisest up them that be bowed down! Poor 
and afflicted I lie here before Thee, and pray: 
O, look down upon me from Thine exalted throne, 
and hear me. 

Lord, I know and believe that my sufferings 
come from Thee. Thy hand wounds, but it also 
heals ; it maketh sore, but also bindeth up. And 
since my sickness cometh from Thee, I will also 
look up to Thee for help. I will lift up mine 
eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help; 



390 For the Use of the Sick. 

my help couietli from the Lord, which made 
heaven and earth. From Thee I have received 
life, health, and prosperity: shall I not also ac- 
cept this sickness? Shall we receive good at the 
hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? The 
trees in the field stand at times in full bloom, 
adorned with leaves and fruit beneath the warm- 
ing rays of the sun. But in winter they look 
dead, suffering from tempest and frost; and all 
this comes from Thee, O God. Therefore I will 
also remember that this is my time of suffer- 
ing and affliction which Thou hast meant for 
me. 

Lord, even as Thou knowest where a star 
stands, whether high or low in the great heavens, 
so Thou knowest also my present condition. 
Thou knowest how heavy is the burden I bear 
and how long I have been suffering; Thou 
knowest exactly how much strength I have to 
endure these things. dear Father, lay upon me 
as much as Thou wilt; but give me grace and 
strength to bear it. I know that without Thy 
will not a hair can fall from my head, and that 
still less can 1 be sick. If not a sparrow falleth, 
how much less can I be subjected to pain, discom- 
fort, and sickness and even die, without Thy 
will. Since then, my sufferings come from Thee, 
they come from my Father ; since they come from 
my Father, they come from loving hands and a 



The Cross conies from God. 391 

loving heart, not for my destruction, but for the 
welfare of my soul. 

Correct me, my Father, but with judgment, 
lest Thou bring me to nothing. Amict me, but 
make me glad again. If Thou hidest Thy face, 
let it shine upon me once more. Let Thy face 
shine upon me, and I shall recover. If I have 
deserved punishment, I will gladly fall into the 
hands of my Father, for His anger endureth but 
for a moment, and in His favor is life. He will 
have mercy upon Zion, and be gracious to His 
child. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Sovereign Ruler of the skies, 
Ever gracious, ever wise! 
All my times are in Thy hand, 
All events at Thy command. 

Thou didst form me in the womb 
Thou wilt guide me to the tomb : 
All my times shall ever be 
Ordered by Thy wise decree. 



Times of sickness, times of health; 
Times of penury and Avealth; 
Times of trials and of grief; 
Times of triumph and relief: 

Times the tempter's power to prove, 
Times to taste a Saviour's love: 



73. 



392 For the Use of the Sick. 

All must come, endure, and end 
As shall please my heavenly Friend. 

Thou gracious, wise, and just ! 
Unto Thee my life I trust; 
Know that Thou art God alone ; 

1 and mine are all Thine own. 

— John Ryland, 1777. a. 



THE SICK PERSON RECOGNIZES THE 
BENEFITS OF SICKNESS. 

MEDITATION. 

John 11:4. This sickness is not unto death, but for 
the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glori- 
fied thereby. 

THE natural man does not want to believe 
that sickness can ever be a benefit. For 
he declares: "Not only is the body 
weakened and exposed to the peril of death, but 
its powers are diminished, and many discom- 
forts and much expense are incurred through 
sickness." Yet in spite of all these things, 
sickness is sometimes profitable even for the 
body, in that it cleanses the body from impuri- 
ties, and causes the health to be all the better 
afterward. 

But sickness is in particular profitable for the 
soul. For (1) God often brings men back from 



The Benefits of Sickness. 393 

paths of sin by means of sickness. How many 
a sinner goes on reckless in his way, pays no 
heed to God or His Word, and heaps up sin upon 
sin. Such a person God brings back, so to say, 
by force through sickness, pain, and suffering, 
so that he comes to his senses, and escapes from 
Satan's snares. (2) Sickness is, however, profit- 
able to the godly .also ; for by its means they 
acquire a knowledge of God's almighty power, 
goodness, wisdom, love and mercy, — a know- 
ledge which they did, indeed, possess by faith be- 
fore, but which they now have thoroughly ex- 
perienced. (3) After the sickness is past, godly 
souls evince a greater love to God, greater fer- 
vency in prayer, and greater religious sincerity. 
They have learned to submit themselves to God, 
to think of death, to prepare for a happy end, 
to direct their thoughts to heaven, and to com- 
mend their souls into God's hands. If a sick 
person remembers these things, he will be sat- 
isfied with God's dealings with him even in 
sickness. 

PRAYER. 

O my God and Father ! I perceive very plainly 
what Thy holy purpose is. Thou hast decided 
that this shall be my time of suffering, in which 
the sun of happiness shall be hidden behind the 
clouds, my health be gone, and my bodily 



394 For the Use of the Sick. 

strength diminished for a season. I thank Thee, 
my God, that, before Thou visitedst me with 
this sickness, Thou didst let me know Thy ways, 
and learn that the way of the cross is the way 
to heaven, and that Thou doest good to our souls 
even in sickness. 

I perceive clearly, O God, that Thou wouldest 
turn me away from the world. Thou purposest 
to make the world distasteful and heaven sweet 
to me, in order that I may deny all ungodliness 
and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously 
and godly, in this present world; and that I 
may examine my own life, and turn to Thee in 
true repentance. When we are well and know 
nothing of trouble, we often act as if we were 
in the world only for the purpose of gaining 
earthly wealth, or of sharing in the pleasures, 
sins and merry-makings of the world, and fol- 
lowing its ways and customs. But since such a 
course would end in our soul's destruction, Thou 
dost, in Thy faithfulness, occasionally lead us 
apart, that Thou mayest speak Avith us alone. 

O my God, it seems Thou wouldest now speak 
with me alone, and warn me to beware of the 
world's sins, temptations, wickedness, and evil 
customs. Thou wouldest persuade me not to be 
conformed any longer to this world, but to be 
transformed by the renewing of my mind, that 
I may know what is that good and acceptable 



The Benefits of Sickness. 395 

and perfect will of God. Therefore, my God, 
I will now do as Thou wouldest have me do. If 
Thou wilt permit me to become well again, I 
will be better, pray more earnestly, avoid what is 
wrong, lay aside my former evil habits, shun the 
people and places which have been the occasion 
of my sin, and become a new creature. 

If any man love the world, the love of the 
Father is not in him. If, therefore, O God, 
Thou hast seen that I have been lukewarm in 
my religion and remiss in my prayers, but will- 
ing to sin and ready to enjoy the lusts of the 
world, Thou wouldest, through the sickness, 
arouse me to the thought of my salvation, and 
persuade me to arise from the sleep of sin. Thou 
sayest to me, "Awake, thou that sleepest, and 
I will purify thee from thy former uncleanness." 
Thou desirest to remind me of death and of the 
end of my earthly life, in order that, if I re- 
cover, I may have learned to know and praise 
Thy almighty power, love and goodness in a 
manner in which I could not have known and 
praised them, if Thou hadst not visited me with 
this sickness. 

O Lord, do Thou perform the work which 
Thou hast begun in me, to Thy glory and my 
soul's salvation. Through this bitter medicine, 
restore health to my soul. Through these sharp 
incisions and pains, heal the wounds of sin. With 



396 For the Use of the Sick, 

this caustic, wash off my vices. And grant that, 
in true repentance and living faith, I may hum- 
ble myself before Thee, and seek and find help, 
counsel, comfort, and forgiveness in the wounds 
of Jesus. Amen. 

HYMN. 

C. M. D. 

I was a wandering sheep, 

I did not love the fold; 
I did not love my Shepherd's voice 

I would not be controlled. 
I was a wayward child, 

I did not love my home ; 
I did not love my Father's voice, 

I loved afar to roam. 

The Shepherd sought His sheep, 

The Father sought His child; 
They followed me o'er vale and hill, 

O'er desert waste and wild; 
They found me nigh to death, 

Famished, and faint, and lone; 
They bound me with the bands of love, 

They saved the wandering one. 

Jesus my Shepherd is, 

'Twas He that loved my soul, 
'Twas He that washed me in His blood, 

'Twas He that made me whole. 
'Twas He that sought the lost, 

That found the wandering sheep; 
'Twas He that brought me to the fold, 

'Tis He that still doth keep. 



Trust in God's Power. 397 

I was a wandering sheep, 

I would not be controlled ; 
But now I love my Shepherd's voice, 

I love, I love the fold! 
I was a wayward child, 

I once preferred to roam; 
But now I love my Father's voice, 

I love, I love His home. 

— Horatius Bonar, 1845. 



THE SICK PERSON PLACES HIS TRUST 

IN THE ALMIGHTY POWER OF 

GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

Ps. 30 :2, 3. O Lord my God, I cried unto Thee, and 
Thou hast healed me. O Lord, Thou hast brought up 
my soul from the grave : Thou hast kept me alive, that 
I should not go down to the pit. 

THERE is nothing more pleasant and com- 
forting in times of danger than to have 
a good friend of whom we can say, I 
know that he can and will help me. A sick 
person cannot, indeed, say this of any human 
being, but he can say it of God. (1) The sick 
person can see the omnipotence of God in the 
career of other persons. When he hears, or 
reads, or learns how God raised the dead to life, 
or restored those who were sick unto death,, he 



398 For the Use of the Sick. 

can confidently conclude: The almighty God 
who helped then is living still. (2) The sick per- 
son can picture to himself the unlimited power 
of God, which is greater than that of all the 
kings of the earth, and of all men, combined. 
What is impossible with men is possible with 
God. What is very difficult for us, is very easy 
for Him. 

The sick person should remember (3) that God 
is not lacking in means to help. At His word 
the sickness must depart. He can so bless the 
most insignificant herb or medicine that it re- 
moves the source of the disease, and promotes 
a return to health. (4) When a sick person re- 
members these things, he should trust in God, 
persevere in prayer, and await the hour of God's 
deliverance. (5) He should none the less take 
the medicine which is prescribed to him by his 
physician, but should be on his guard against 
all superstitious ways of trying to effect a cure, 
and be sure that the Almighty can and certainly 
will help when His hour has come. 

PRAYER. 

O my Lord and God! Thou seest how pain 
and suffering have taken hold upon me, and 
how every morning I continue to be in misery. 
My disease does not yield, and I know not but 
that this shall be mv bed of death. I entrust it 



Trust in God's Power. 399 

all to Thee; I will live or die, as Thou wilt. 
Thou hast made my days as an handbreadth, and 
mine age is as nothing before Thee : verily, every 
man at his best state is altogether vanity. Long 
before I was born Thou didst record in Thy book 
the number of my days. Yet I do not lose cour- 
age, but lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from 
whence cometh my help. My help cometh from 
the Lord, which made heaven and earth. I know 
that Thou art an almighty God, and that life and 
death are in Thy hands; that in Thine omni- 
potence Thou canst wake the dead, restore from 
the most dangerous sickness, and alleviate and 
remove the greatest misery and pain. Behold, 
the Lord's hand is not shortened, the Helper in 
Israel can deliver out of every trouble; yea, He 
is able to do abundantly above all that we ask 
or think and to deliver all who call upon Him. 
Therefore, as I lie here upon my bed, I look 
not around me to weak human beings, nor to 
myself, for I am sick and wretched, but above 
me to Thee, my God and Lord. I also say, with 
the believing centurion, Lord, speak the word 
only, and Thy servant shall be healed; speak 
the word only, and I shall live, and be freed from 
all my sufferings. I know that nothing is im- 
possible with God. Thy power, O Lord, is bound- 
less, and there is no God beside Thee. O God, 
who didst heal the sick Hezekiah, restore the 



400 For the Use of the Sick. 

diseased woman, cure the man with the palsy, 
and raise the young man at Nain : look in mercy 
upon me also. Thou gracious Deliverer of Thy 
faithful ones ! help me, have mercy on me, show 
me a token for good. Thou art my Helper and 
Saviour, my God; O, delay not. Nevertheless 
do all things according to Thy will. I know that 
in Thine omnipotence Thou canst restore me, 
and that in Thy goodness Thou wilt do so, if 
it be salutary for my soul. Amen. 

HYMN. 

Psalm 90. C. M. 

Our God, our Help in ages past, 

Our Hope for years to come; 
Our Shelter from the stormy blast, 

And our eternal Home! 

Under the shadow of Thy throne 
Thy saints have dwelt secure; 

Sufficient is Thine arm alone, 
And our defence is sure. 

Before the hills in order stood, 
Or earth received her frame, 

From everlasting Thou art God, 
To endless years the same. 

Thy Word commands our flesh to dust : 

"Return, ye sons of men" : 
All nations rose from earth at first, 

And turn to earth again. 



The Baptismal Covenant. 401 

Time, like an ever-rolling stream, 

Bears all its sons away; 
They fly forgotten, as a dream 

Dies at the opening day. 

Like flowery fields the nations stand, 
Pleased with the morning light : 

The flowers beneath the mower's hand 
Lie withering ere 'tis night. 

» 

Our God, our Help in ages past, 

Our Hope for years to come, 
Be Thou our Guard while troubles last^ 

And our eternal Home. 

— Watts, ijig, 



THE SICK PERSON CALLS TO MIND THE 
BAPTISMAL COVENANT. 

MEDITATION. 

1 Peter 3: 21. The like figure whereunto even 
baptism doth now save us, not the putting away of 
the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good con- 
science toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus 
Christ. 

IF there be any name which, applied to God, 
is comforting, it is certainly the name 
Father; and if there be any blessedness 
of man which is great, it is certainly the blessed- 
ness of being a child of God. As this relation 

26 



402 For the Use of the Sick. 

of sonship is calculated to inspire joy at any 
time, so it is particularly fitted to comfort us 
in sickness. This comfort is one to which the 
sick person should firmly cling. He should re- 
member (1) that God is an almighty Father, 
with whom nothing is impossible. (2) He should 
remember that God is a faithful Father, who 
means well with His children. (3) He should re- 
member that God is a Avise Father, who can turn 
the bitterness of the cross into a healing balm 
for His children. (4) He should remember that 
God is a kind and loving Father, who, though 
He afflicts us, also has mercy upon us. If the 
sick person calls these things to mind, he will 
have cause to rejoice. 

This blessedness of divine sonship has become 
the possession of the sick Christian through holy 
baptism, in which he has made a covenant with 
the Triune God. But while he should be 
strengthened and gladdened by the assurance 
that he is God's child, he should also as a child 
of God (1) submit himself cheerfully to God's 
will and Providence, and not murmur against 
Him, but believe that God will act toward him 
as a faithful Father. (2) If in the days of his 
health he has offended God and lived like a 
worldling, he should now upon his sick-bed fer- 
vently beseech God to forgive him, earnestly re- 
solve that he will live differently in the future, 



The Baptismal Covenant. 403 

and firmly believe that His blessed heavenly 
Father will have mercy npon him. 

PRAYER. 

O Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost! 
Behold I, Thy child, find myself in a condition 
in which human help is vain. I look around me 
and ask for help, and there is none that re- 
sponds. But I will not despair; nay, I will 
come to Thee, my heavenly Father, and bring 
my complaint to Thee. As the sheep in distress 
hastens to its shepherd, the child to his father, 
the subject to his king, so I hasten to Thee, my 
King, my Father, my Shepherd. 

O Triune God, remember that I am Thy child ; 
that I have been baptized ; and that in holy bap- 
tism I have made a covenant with Thee. In that 
covenant Thou didst promise to be my Father, 
to care for me as a Father, to. help me, and to 
deal with me in love. Jesus has washed me with 
His precious blood, and bestowed upon me the 
robe of His perfect righteousness. The Holy 
Ghost has been shed upon me abundantly, and 
cries in my heart, Abba, Father, — bearing wit- 
ness with my spirit that I am Thy child. O 
Triune God, behold I, Thy wretched child, come 
to Thee. My father and my mother forsake me, 
my relatives and friends cannot help me; but 
do Thou, O heavenly Father, take me up. 



404 For the Use of the Sick. 

As the centurion had pity on his servant who 
lay sick unto death, and spared no pains to help 
him, so do Thou, O my Father, pity and help 
me. As the father whose daughter lay at the 
point of death followed after Jesus and be- 
sought Him, "Lord, my daughter is even now 
dead ; but come and lay Thy hands upon her and 
she shall live/ 1 so I also follow Thee, my God 
and Father, and beseech Thee: If it be Thy 
will, if it be for my good, make me well again, 
preserve my life. I knoAV that Thou art an al- 
mighty Father, a wise Father, a gracious and 
loving Father; and whither shall a child go in 
its need but to its father. Lord God, the Father 
in heaven, have mercy upon me! Lord God the 
Son, Eedeemer of the world, have mercy upon 
me ! Lord God the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon 
me! Like as a father pitieth his children, so 
the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. O have 
mercy upon me also. 

If I have been a disobedient child, I repent. 
If I have forsaken Thee, I now return to Thee. 
As the father received the returning prodigal, 
so do Thou mercifully receive me, who now come 
to Thee in repentance and faith, and cry, Have 
mercy, have mercy, upon me, O God. If Thou 
shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall 
stand? Trusting in Thee, I wait for Thy help. 
I have already learned that it is possible to be 



The Baptismal Covenant. 105 

a child of Thine and yet to suffer sickness and 
sorrow, and to bear many crosses; and there- 
fore Satan shall not easily shake me in my con- 
fidence that I am Thy child. And yet I beseech 
Thee, let me behold Thy Fatherly love, and know 
that Thou hast not forsaken me; let me experi- 
ence Thy Fatherly hand. Amen. 



HYMN. 

(Ich bin getauft auf deinen Namen.) 

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 
I'm baptized in Thy dear name ; 

In the seed Thou dost inherit, 
With the people Thou dost claim, 
I am reckoned; 

And for me the Saviour came. 

Thou receivest me, O Father, 
As a child and heir of Thine ; 

Jesus, Thou who diedst, yea, rather 
Ever livest, Thou art mine. 
Thou, O Spirit, 

Art my guide, my light divine. 

I have pledged, and would not falter, 
Truth, obedience, love to Thee ; 

I have vows upon Thine altar, 

Ever Thine alone to be; 

And forever 

Sin and all its lusts to flee. 



7, 4. 



406 For the Use of the Sick. 

Gracious God, all Thou hast spokeu 
Iu this covenant shall take place; 

But if I, alas, have broken 

These my vows, hide not Thy face; 
And from falling 

O restore me by Thy grace. 



Lord to Thee I now surrender 
All I hare and all I am; 



Make my heart more true and teuder, 
Glorify in me Thy name. 
Let obedience 
To Thy will be all hit aim. 



Help me iu this high eudeavor, 
Father, Son and Holy Ghost ! 

Biud my heart to Thee forever, 
Till I joiu the heavenly host. 
Living, dying, 

Let me make in Thee mv boast. 



— John Jacob Rambach, IJ34. 
Charles Jr. Schaeffer, Tr. i860. 



Trust in God's Mercy. 407 

THE SICK PERSON TRUSTS IN THE 
MERCY OF THE TRIUNE GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

II Tim. 4: 18. The Lord shall deliver me from 
every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heav- 
enly kingdom : to whom be glory for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

TRUE Christians cannot want for comfort 
in affliction and sickness, if they only 
remember who they are and with whom 
they have to deal. They are children of God; 
therefore they should believe that the Triune 
God will not forget them in their distress and 
pain. (1) The Creator, who has guided them 
in their youth, sustained them in later years, 
and preserved them as a Father, will not for- 
sake them. How should God forsake His 
creatures and the works of His hands? He may 
hide Himself from His creatures for a season, 
but He will not forsake them. (2) Their Re- 
deemer, Jesus Christ, will not forsake them; 
for He endured suffering and pain and death, 
and shed His precious blood, for them. How 
should He leave them without help in their sick- 
ness? No; His love is too great for that. (3) 
Their Sanctifier, the Holy Ghost, will not for- 
sake them, but will comfort, quicken, and cheer 
them, and bear witness with their spirit that 



408 For the Use of the Sick. 

they are children of God, even though their sick- 
ness and pain continue unabated. 

If a sick person holds fast this threefold com- 
fort, he will be enabled to bear his ordeal pa- 
tiently, and firmly to believe that his help is not 
far from him. But (4) he must pray for the for- 
giveness of all those things by which he has of- 
fended against the Triune God in days of health, 
and in steadfast faith must patiently wait for 
His gracious help. 

PRAYER. 

O Holy Triune God! Although I am weak 
in body, I will not on that account become weak 
in my faith and my trust in Thee. For they 
that trust in the Lord shall be immovable like 
Mount Zion. I am, indeed, discouraged at times 
by the lingering and tedious nature of my dis- 
ease; but I take courage again through Thy 
Holy Spirit, and especially through the remem- 
brance of the many mercies which Thou hast 
shown to me in times past. 

Canst Thou forsake me, O my Creator, who 
hast preserved me till this hour? Is the Lord's 
hand shortened? No; Thy hand, which has led 
and guided and strengthened and preserved me 
hitherto, will sustain me also in my sickness. 
Thou hast loved me with an everlasting love. 
and with loving kindness hast Thou drawn me 



Trust in God's Mercy. 409 

till now. It was Thy love which vouchsafed to 
me so many years of health. It was Thy love 
which warded off misfortune, pain, and peril 
from me in times past. It was Thy love which 
let so many tokens of Thy grace and mercy fall 
to my lot up to this very hour. Therefore, now 
in my illness, I commend myself entirely to Thee. 

Canst Thou forsake me, my Saviour, who hast 
redeemed me by Thy precious blood from sin and 
death and the devil? As Thou hast in love to 
my soul delivered it from the pit of corrup- 
tion, so wilt Thou also grant me Thy help for my 
poor diseased body. As Thy love has delivered 
me from the curse and from death, yea from 
hell itself, so it can also help me speedily in 
my sickness. O Thou Lamb of God, that takest 
away the sins of the world, have mercy upon 
me in my present sufferings. 

Canst Thou forsake me, O my Sanctifier, who 
hast sanctified body and soul, consecrated them 
to Thee in holy baptism as Thy temple, and 
dwelt therein till now? Thou wilt assuredly be 
my Stay and Comfort in my Aveakness, and bear 
witness now also with my spirit that I am a child 
of God, even though I suffer pain and affliction. 
• Therefore I will be of good courage in my 
sufferings, and will say to my soul : Thy heavenly 
Father has clasped Thee in His eternal love ; the 
Son of God has chosen Thee for His own, His 



410 For the Use of the Sick. 

brother, and joint-heir with Him; the Holy 
Spirit has assured Thee of His sweet consola- 
tion and His blessed indwelling : therefore all 
things are Thine ; the grace of God is thine, the 
merit and righteousness of Christ are thine, the 
comfort of the Holy Spirit is thine, yea, heaven 
itself with all its glory is thine. O then, since 
this is so, I will not worry over the diseased 
condition of my body, but cast my burden upon 
the Lord, and trust in the God who has been 
so merciful to me. O my Father, I trust in Thee. 

Jesus I seek refuge in Thee, O Holy Spirit 

1 surrender myself to Thee. Lord God the 
Father, what Thou hast created, Lord God the 
Son, what Thou hast redeemed, Lord God the 
Holy Ghost, what Thou hast sanctified, I com- 
mend into Thy hands. To Thy holy name be the 
glory, honor, and praise now and for evermore. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 

L. M. 

Father of heaven! Whose love profound 
A ransom for our souls hath found, 
Before Thy throne we sinners bend : 
To us Thy pardoning love extend. 

Almighty Son ! Incarnate Word ! 
Our Prophet, Priest, Eedeemer, Lord! 
Before Thy throne we sinners bend : 
To us Thy saving grace extend. 



Patient Submission. 411 

Eternal Spirit! By whose breath 
The soul is raised from sin and death, 
Before Thy throne we sinners bend : 
To us Thy quickening power extend. 

Jehovah, Father, Spirit, Son! 
Mysterious Godhead! Three in One! 
Before Thy throne we sinners bend : 
Grace, pardon, life to us extend. 

— Edward Cooper, 1&05. 



THE SICK PERSON WOULD BEAK HIS 

SUFFERINGS WITHOUT 

MURMURING. 

MEDITATION. 

Psalm 39 : 9. I was dumb, I opened not my mouth ; 
because Thou didst it. 

HOW long wilt Thou forget me, O Lord? 
for ever? how long wilt Thou hide Thy 
face from me? (Psalm 13 :1). Thus 
many pious Christians sigh, as they lie upon a 
lingering bed of sickness. God's hour often tar- 
ries too long for them. If it delays for many 
days, weeks, and months, some of them some- 
times murmur. But a pious Christian should 
never permit himself to do so, but should (1) 
remember that God does not forget nor forsake 
us in our sufferings, in trouble, in sickness; for 



412 For the Use of the Sick. 

that would be to forget His promises. If He 
delays, wait for Him; for He delays for the 
good of our souls. (2) If, because of the delay- 
ing of His help, the cross should become heavier, 
the Christian should not murmur, but remember 
the omnipotence, love, and mercy of God. As 
the medicine of the sick person must be care- 
fully measured out, and the bitter drops care- 
fully counted before they are given to him, so 
we should believe that all our affliction is care- 
fully measured for us; for God is faithful, who 
will not permit us to be tempted above that we 
are able. (3) Therefore, if the sufferings be great 
and numerous and long in duration, we should 
not on this account lose courage, but, persever- 
ing in supplication, prayer, faith, hope, and 
trust, we should wait for God's hour of help. 

prayer. * 

O holy and wise God! I perceive it to be 
Thy will and counsel tbat I should remain con- 
fined to the house and to my bed for weeks, yea 
as long a time as it may please Thee. I do not 
find fault with Thy holy will nor murmur 
against Thee, but say: Here am I, Lord, do 
with me as seemeth good to Thee. Should I 
not drink from the cup which the Father has 
placed at my lips? My Father will not pour 
out poison instead of medicine for me. I will 



Patient Submission. 413 

bear the Lord's anger; for I have sinned against 
Him. These bitter sufferings cannot be other 
than salutary for my soul, even though flesh 
and blood revolt from them. Thou hast been 
my Father and God from my youth up, and 
Thou wilt continue to be such to me now while 
I am sick. 

My God, if Thou hast decreed that I shall lie 
here and suffer for a long time, let not the time 
be too long, but give me occasionally hours of 
relief in which I shall be free from pain or at 
least find it alleviated. If I am called upon 
to suffer much, give me also much strength. 
Thou knowest how weak I am, and how impos- 
sible it is for me to endure much more; there- 
fore do not lay too much upon me, lest I perish. 
Thou knowest well what I am able to bear, and 
how frail my life is. The wind passeth over 
me, and I am gone like a flower. O deal with 
me as a mother deals with her weak child : help 
me to bear my burden, carry me in Thine arms, 
hold me in Thy bosom. Should my sufferings 
become more intense than they are now, do not 
forsake me, but help and support me by Thy 
grace. Should I have more sleepless nights, let 
me retain the comfort that Thou art still my 
God, my Father, and my Friend. I know that 
when Thou sendest affliction upon Thy children, 
Thou dost so, not in order to destroy them, but 



414 For the Use of the Sick. 

to draw them closer to Thee. Therefore, draw 
nie, iny God, through this sickness, away from 
the evil habits and pleasures of the world to 
Thee, to holiness, to godliness, to heaven, and to 
salvation. 

Yes, my God, although Thou dost let me suffer, 
I will not part from Thee. Though Thou, my 
Shepherd, leadest me upon a path beset with 
thorns, which wound my body and soul, I will- 
ingly follow Thee. If the Head has worn a 
crown of thorns, the members cannot tread upon 
roses. I loved Thee when Thou gavest me 
health and happiness and well-being. There- 
fore I will also love Thee now in sickness, in 
sorrow, and in pain. I know that Thou canst 
and wilt help me. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Away, my needless fears, 
And doubts no longer mine! 

A ray of heavenly light appears, 
A messenger divine. 

Thrice comfortable hope, 

That calms my stormy breast ; 

My Father's hand prepares the cup, 
And what He wills is best. 

He knows whatever I want; 
He sees my helplessness, 



S. M. 



Preparation for Communion. 415 

And always readier is to grant 
Than I to ask His grace. 

My fearful heart He reads, 

Secures my soul from harms, 
And underneath His mercy spreads 

Its everlasting arms. 

Here is firm footing; here, 

My soul, is solid rock, 
To break the waves of grief and fear, 

And trouble's rudest shock. 

This only can sustain 

When earth and heaven remove: 
O turn Thee to thy Rest again, 

Thy God's eternal Love! 

— C. ires ley, 1749. 



THE SICK PERSON PREPARES HIMSELF 

TO PARTAKE OF THE LORD'S 

SUPPER. 

MEDITATION. 

I Cor. 11 : 28. Let a man examine himself, and so 
let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. 

THE Christian should always live in such 
a way as to be prepared for a happy 
death at any moment. If a healthy per- 
son should do this, how much more should a 
sick person do so. The patient will do well 



416 For the Use of the Sick. 

therefore, (1) as soon as he is attacked with 
disease, to think of his sins, and say: "I do 
remember my faults this day." For since sick- 
ness and affliction often come as a punishment 
for sin, the sick person should concern himself 
with his reconciliation with God. (2) This re- 
conciliation takes place if the sick person, in 
repentance and faith, beseeches God for the for- 
giveness of his sins, and partakes of the Lord's 
Supper. (3) We should not imagine that we are 
sure to die, if we partake of the Lord's Sup- 
per on our sick-bed ; it is not a food unto death, 
but unto life and salvation. 

But it is to be borne in mind, (4) that we are 
not to wait with our repentance and our par- 
taking of the Lord's Supper till the throes of 
death have already taken hold upon us, and our 
understanding and strength are almost com- 
pletely gone, but should attend to these things 
in time, while we are still in the possession of 
our faculties, and are able to seek peace with 
God. If man thus sincerely turns to God, he 
shall in Christ and for Christ's sake find life 
and peace. 

PRAYER. 

O Lord, Lord God, full of compassion, and 
gracious, and plenteous in mercy and truth ! I 
poor sinner have resolved to seek reconciliation 



Preparation for Communion. 417 

with Thee, and to beseech Thee most fervently 
to forgive me all the sins which I have com- 
mitted against Thee during my past life. I de- 
sire to seek mercy and forgiveness of sins in the 
wounds of Jesus, and thus to prepare for a 
happy departure from this world. 

It has pleased Thee, O God, to lay me upon 
this bed of sickness. And since I do not know 
whether I shall rise from it again in health or 
die upon it, I would make it my chief concern 
to care for my soul, and to commend all else to 
Thee, my gracious and merciful God. I would 
be reconciled with Thee now, because I am still 
in the possession of my senses, and can still call 
to mind when I sinned, how often I sinned, and 
how heavily I sinned. I beseech Thee for par- 
don now while I am still able to pray, because 
I know not but that my sickness may increase in 
severity, and the loss of my understanding and 
of the other faculties of my mind may render 
me unable to pray or to think of Thee. I know 
that one who prepares himself for death does 
not on that account die any sooner, or live any 
longer. But he does what is most profitable 
for him : if he regains his health, he will shun 
the sins which he recognized and repented of 
on his sick-bed; and if he dies, he is prepared, 
and dies happv. 

27 



418 For the Use of the Sick. 

These are my reflections, O God. Having ob- 
tained the forgiveness of my sins, I would par- 
take of the Holy Supper, and then patiently, 
cheerfully and believingly await Thy further 
dealings with me. Therefore, in the anxiety of 
my soul I fall down before Thee, and cry: O, 
be merciful to Thy child, Eemember not the 
sins of my youth nor my many transgressions. 
O Lord, for the sake of Jesus, my Saviour, par- 
don mine iniquity; for it is great. O my God, 
grant me grace and strength to carry out my 
holy resolution, to Thy glory and the salvation 
of my soul. Amen. 

HYMN. 

C. M. 

O Lord, turn not Thy face from me, 

Who lie in woeful state, 
Lamenting all my sinful life 

Before Thy mercy-gate : 

A gate which opens wide to those 

That do lament their sin : 
Shut not that gate against me, Lord; 

But let me enter in. 

And call me not to strict account 

How I have sojourned here; 
For then my guilty conscience knows 

How vile I shall appear. 

So come I to Thy mercy-gate, 
Where mercy doth abound, 



Self -Examination. 410 

Imploring pardon for my sin, 
To heal my deadly wound. 

O Lord, I need not to repeat 

The comfort I would have : 
Thou knowest, O Lord, before I ask, 

The blessing I do crave. 

Mercy, good Lord, mercy I ask, 

This is the total sum; 
For mercy, Lord, is all my suit; 

Lord let Thy mercy come, 

— John Mardley, 1562. 



THE SICK PERSON PRAYS TO GOD FOR 
THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. 

MEDITATION. 

Job 42 : 6. I abhor myself, and repent in dust and 
ashes. 

IT is a very appropriate and laudable custom 
of many true Christians, to call themselves 
to account every evening for the evil which 
they have thought, said, and done during the 
day, and to pray God for the forgiveness of 
their sins; thus being reconciled to God be- 
fore they retire to rest. 

If this should be done daily by every one, 
how much more should it be done bv one who 



420 Por the Use of the Sick. 

is sick. (1) His examination should, however*, 
cover not only his doings for a day or a week, 
but for his whole life. He should inquire how 
he spent the days of his health; whether he 
employed them for the glory of God and the 
good of his fellow-men. He should investigate 
where, how often, and how greatly he sinned 
while he was w r elL And because confinement to 
bed by sickness places much time at our disposal 
for this purpose, the investigation should be all 
the more thorough and earnest. 

After the sick person has examined into his 
past life, (2) he should earnestly pray to God for 
the forgiveness of all his sins, especially because 
he does not know how soon he may be summoned 
before the judgment-seat of God. (3) If the sick- 
bed has been the means of revealing our sinful- 
ness to us, we should thank God for the illness 
by means of which He has opened our eyes, led 
us to a knowledge of our wretched state, and 
given us an opportunity to seek His grace. With- 
out the sickness, this might not have taken 
place. (4) But what we promise while we are 
sick, we must also perform after we are well, 
lest our unfaithfulness bring upon us a greater 
calamitv. 



Prayer for Forgiveness. 421 

PRAYER. 

O gracious and loving Father! I have re- 
solved in Thy name to be reconciled with Thee, 
to pray Thee for mercy and the forgiveness of 
my sins, and then to receive the Holy Supper 
here on my sick-bed. I would do this in time, 
while I am in the possession of all my facul- 
ties. I live, but I know not how long. I must 
die, and I know not when. 

Therefore I now come before the throne of 
Thy grace, and humbly pray Thee for the for- 
giveness of all the sins which I have committed 
against Thee in my life-time. My God, I am 
compelled to acknowledge that I have often 
offended Thee in times past. Alas, I did not 
always employ the days of my health to Thy 
glory, in Thy service, for my growth in grace, 
or in true godliness. And therefore Thou hast 
had reason to visit me with sickness, that I might 
look into my heart and life, and repent of the 
misuse of my health, and my many sins. For- 
give me, O Lord, that I have not loved Thee 
more fervently nor lived more uprightly than 
I, alas, have done. O God, remember not the 
sins of my youth nor my many transgressions. 
According to Thy mercy remember Thou me, for 
Thy goodness' sake, O Lord, 



422 For the Use of the Sick. 

how I tremble, when I hear that I must ap- 
pear before Thj judgment-throne, and give an 
account of every idle word which I have spoken. 
O, how shall I, with my many sinful thoughts, 
stand before Thee, who art the Judge even of 
our thoughts? And if I must give an account of 
my whole life, and of all my deeds and actions, 
O Lord, who can stand? Therefore I come be- 
fore the throne of Thy grace trusting in Jesus 
Christ, my Lord and Saviour, and pray : For the 
sake of His wounds, have mercy upon me; for 
the sake of His precious blood, forgive me all my 
sins; for the sake of His agony and bloody 
sweat, help me, O Lord God. 

1 am ashamed, O my God, to lift up my eyes 
to Thee; I am ashamed of my former years and 
their transgressions. O that I had not done these 
things! O that I had lived a better Christian 
life! I promise Thee, O God, that I will be- 
gin a new life. If Thou wilt give me back my 
health, I will spend to Thy glory, in faith and 
in true piety, all the years which Thou shalt per- 
mit me to live henceforth, and regard them as a 
gift, as an addition to my life. I will look 
back during all my life to this illness and this 
distress of soul, and also to Thy mighty hand. 
O Lord, be merciful to Thy child, and according 
to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out 
my transgressions. Amen. 



Hymn. 423 

HYMN. 

Psalm 51. L. M. 

Thou that hear'st when sinners cry, 
Though all my crimes before Thee lie, 
Behold them not with angry look, 
But blot their memory from Thy book. 

Create my nature pure within, 

And form my soul averse to sin ; 

Let Thy good Spirit ne'er depart, 

Nor hide Thy presence from my heart. 

1 cannot live without Thy light, 

Cast out and banished from Thy sight; 
Thy holy joys, my God, restore, 
And guard me that I fall no more. 

Though I have grieved Thy Spirit, Lord, 
His help and comfort still afford; 
And let me now come near Thy throne 
To plead the merits of Thy Son. 

A broken heart, my God, my King, 
Is all the sacrifice I bring; 
Look down, O Lord, with pitying eye, 
And save the soul condemned to die. 

O may Thy love inspire my tongue! 
Salvation shall be all my song; 
And all my powers shall join to bless 
The Lord, my Strength and Bighteousness. 

— Watts, iyig, a, 



424 For the Use of the Sick, 

THE SICK PERSON PRAYS BEFORE 

PARTAKING OF THE LORD'S 

SUPPER. 

MEDITATION. 

John 6 : 54, 55. Whoso eateth my flesh, . and 
drinketh my blood, hath eternal life ; and I will raise 
him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, 
and my blood is drink indeed. 

EVERY Christian should be anxious to re- 
ceive the Lord's Supper devoutly and 
worthily. And a sick person can do 
this, if he examines himself beforehand. For 
(1) he is free from those things which some- 
times disturb his devotion during the public ser- 
vice of the congregation. And, if God keeps him 
free from pain and discomfort, he can continue 
his devotion indefinitely. (2) He should not hesi- 
tate to receive the Holy Supper in his own home, 
because Jesus has promised to be with the be- 
lievers everywhere and always with his grace. 
(3) The sick person should also remember, that 
it may be the last time that he receives the 
Lord's Supper, and should therefore resolve all 
the more firmly to abide in faith and holiness. 

Since holy men have wished that their last 
word may be "Jesus," their last food the Holy 
Supper, and their last thought that of the cru- 
cified Jesus, the sick person (4) should rejoice 



Prayer before Communion. 425 

that one of these wishes is about to be realized for 
him, and should believe that God will grant him 
grace for the realization of the other two also. 
(5)If, however, we should desire to receive the 
Lord's Supper on our sick-bed with the idea, 
that it will make us physically well, this would 
be very wrong, and be acting superstitiously. 

PRAYER. 

Dearest Jesus! I desire to receive the Holy 
Supper here upon my sick-bed, because I know 
not when I shall depart from this world. And 
because I do not want to appear without Thee 
before the judgment-bar of God, I desire once 
more to commune with Thee while I live, that 
Thou mayest be and abide in me, and I in Thee. 
I would now receive the Holy Supper here in 
my home, and I am confident that Thou wilt 
here delight and quicken me with Thy grace. 

O dearest Friend of the soul, who art nigh 
unto them that are of a broken heart, and savest 
such as be of a contrite spirit! Gladden my 
heart, and strengthen my soul through this 
heavenly food and drink. I have, indeed, re- 
ceived it, when I was well, together with the 
congregation. But, alas, I did not always re- 
ceive it with such devotion and earnestness as 
I should, because the throng of people, my own 
yanitv ; and my roving eyes prevented me from 



426 For the Use of the Sick. 

doing so. But now no one can disturb nie, be- 
cause I shall commune with Thee in my solitude. 

dearest Jesus, since I now purpose to keep 
this heavenly feast of joy on earth in holy de- 
votion, and there are no other hindrances to a 
devotional spirit, do Thou also relieve my pain 
and sickness, and strengthen me during this 
hour, in order that I may carry out my purpose 
unhindered and undisturbed. 

I now show forth Thy death, and remember 
Thy sufferings and crucifixion, Thy wounds and 
pain, Thy agony and torturing pangs, Thy ex- 
piring groan, and all that Thou hast done for 
me. I remember these things, and I give Thee 
heartfelt thanks for them. Yea, I thank Thee 
now with all my heart, O Jesus, for Thy wounds 
and pain and cruel death, and will be thankful 
to Thee forever. 

I remember also the institution of the Holy 
Supper, in which Thou dost give me food and 
drink unto eternal life. I accept Thy words 
as the words of an all-knowing, almighty, and 
faithful God. I believe that in the Lord's Sup- 
per I receive Thy true body and Thy true blood. 
When I receive the bread that has been blessed, 

1 receive in an invisible manner Thy true body, 
O Jesus; and when I receive the cup that has 
been blessed, I receive in an invisible manner 
Thv true blood. This heavenly food and heavenly 



Prayer before Communion. 427 

drink shall strengthen me in believing that I 
am reconciled to God. This heavenly food 
and drink shall give me the comforting as- 
surance, that I am not lost but have eternal 
life. This heavenly food and drink shall as- 
sure me that I stand in Thy grace/ that I have 
the forgiveness of sins, and that I am united with 
Thee, who art the propitiation for our sins and 
the sins of the whole world. 

This heavenly food and drink shall remind 
me of the feast of joy in heaven, — of the eternal 
bliss and glory which Thou shalt grant me after 
death. O Jesus, Thou Bridegroom of my soul, 
sanctify and cleanse me, that my soul may be 
betrothed and married to Thee forever. O Shep- 
herd of my soul, lead Thy sheep in green pas- 
tures, feed me with the bread of life, strengthen 
me with Thy precious blood. Then Satan shall 
not be able to harm me, nor my sins accuse and 
condemn me. Here is the perfect ransom for 
my sins, the ransom which Thou didst pay for 
me on the cross, and by which I am justified 
and saved. Amen. 

HYMN. 

7s. 

Bread of heaven, on Thee we feed, 
For Thy flesh is meat indeed: 
Ever may our souls be fed 
With this true and living Bread. 



428 For the Use of the Sick. 

Wine of heaven, Thy blood supplies 
This blest cup of sacrifice; 
Lord, Thy wounds our healing give; 
To Thy cross we look and live. 

Day by day with strength supplied, 
Through the life of Him who died, 
Lord of Life, O let us be 
Booted, grafted, built on Thee. 

— Joseph Conder, 1824. a. 



THE SICK PERSON PRAYS AFTER PAR- 
TAKING OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

MEDITATION. 

Gal. 2: 20. I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth 
in me : and the life which I now live in the flesh I live 
by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and 
gave Himself for me. 

EVERY Christian has reason to thank God 
fervently Avhenever he receives the Lord's 
Supper. But a sick person has still 
more reason to thank God most heartily when 
he has been permitted to partake of the Lord's 
Supper in the possession of his faculties. It 
should not be imagined, however, (1) that the 
Lord's Supper effects an improvement in the 
physical health. It effects, if_it be worthily re- 
ceived, an improvement in the condition of the 
soul; for the communicant obtains the forgive- 



Prayer after Communion. 429 

ness of sins and peace with God, and is more 
closely united with Christ. But the Lord's Sup- 
per was not instituted for the purpose of causing 
any change in bodily sickness, nor is there any 
promise that it will do so. Therefore (2) the 
sick person should not receive it for the pur- 
pose of seeing whether he is to live or die, — for 
this is an abuse of the sacrament, — but should 
use it for the strengthening of his faith, and for 
the assurance of the forgiveness of sins, of the 
grace of God, and of the salvation of his soul. 

When he has thus received it for the purpose 
for which Christ instituted it, (3) he should 
praise God for it, and with calm and believing 
heart commit himself into God's hands. In case 
of war, we are satisfied if we have secured the 
safety of what is most valuable. Our soul is our 
most valuable possession; and if, by true re- 
pentance and union with Christ, we have com- 
mitted our soul to God's keeping, we may rest 
assured that God will deal kindly with the body 
also. 

PRAYER. 

My Jesus, I have fervently desired to receive 
the Holy Supper before I die. This desire has 
now been granted. Thou hast given me Thy body 
to eat and Thy blood to drink; and for This 
I thank Thee from my inmost soul. I lie here 



430 For the Use of the Sick. 

upon my bed, from which Thou canst enable 
me to rise, but on which I may also die, if it 
be Thy will. Therefore I have prepared myself. 
My soul is now recovered, since I am united 
with Christ. And I will gladly die, now that 
I have entered into closest communion with 
Thee, O Jesus. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and 
forget not all His benefits. Lord, now lettest 
Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to 
Thy Word; for mine eyes have seen Thy sal- 
vation. O Jesus, live in me. Grant me a tran- 
quil mind, Christian contentment, and a soul 
completely resigned to Thee. Let my thoughts 
dwell always upon good and holy things, and 
my heart abide in the sweet remembrance of 
Thee. 

If Thou dost will, O God, that I shall depart 
from this life, Thy will be done. I know that 
my sins are forgiven. Therefore I need not fear 
to appear before Thee; for where there is for- 
giveness of sins, there life and salvation are 
also. I know that Jesus has bestowed His right- 
eousness upon me; and if I come before Thee, 

God, clothed with this glorious robe, Thou 
wilt for its sake pronounce me free from guilt. 

1 have now become justified by faith, and I have 
peace with God through my Lord Jesus Christ. 
He has opened heaven for me, and given me 
access to the throne of grace. I know that Jesus 



Prayer after Communion. 431 

is my Intercessor, and that I die in the grace 
of God and at peace with Him. I am assured of 
the sustaining grace of the Holy Spirit. And 
thus I am saved; I die saved; my departure 
from the world is blessed, and I shall enter upon 
eternal life. 

Thou hast been very merciful to my soul. O 
God, in permitting me to keep this heavenly 
feast of love with Jesus in the full possession 
of my senses. Let this heavenly food strengthen 
and preserve me in true faith unto everlasting 
life. Thus is my wish fulfilled, that the Holy 
Supper might be my food before I die. Grant 
that the last Word which I may speak on earth 
may be the name of Jesus, and the last thoughts 
that I think thoughts of Jesus' blood and death 
and pain and sufferings and holy merit. Then 
I know that I shall live and die cheerful and 
happy. If God be for us, who can be against 
us? Yea, who will separate us from the love of 
Christ? I will cling to Him till He brings me 
to the assembly of the saints and the elect in 
heaven. Amen. 

HYMX. 

7, 6. D. 

O living Bread from heaven, 
How hast Thou fed Thy guest ! 

The gifts Thou now hast given 
Have filled mv heart with rest. 



. ^ 



432 For the Use of the Sick* 

wondrous Food of blessing ! 

cup that heals our woes! 
My heart, this gift possessing, 

In thankful song o'erflows. 

My Lord, Thou here hast led me 

Within Thy holiest place, 
And there Thyself hast fed me 

With treasures of Thy grace: 
And Thou hast freely given 

What earth could never buy, 
The Bread of Life from heaven, 

That now I shall not die! 

Thou givest all I wanted, 

The Food can death destroy; 
And Thou hast freely granted 

The cup of endless joy. 
Ah, Lord, I do not merit 

The favor Thou hast shown, 
And all my soul and spirit 

Bow down before Thy throne! 

Lord, grant me that, thus strengthened 

With heavenly food, while here 
My course on earth is lengthened, 

1 serve with holy fear: 

And when Thou callest my spirit, 
To leave this world below, 

1 enter, through Thy merit, 
Where joys unmingled flow. 

— John Rist, 1651. 

From Miss JVinkworih, Tr. 1858. 



Prayer when Taking Medicine. 433 

THE SICK PERSON PRAYS WHEN HE 
TAKES HIS MEDICINE. 

MEDITATION. 

James 5: 14, 15. Is any sick among you? let him 
call for the elders of the church ; and let them pray 
over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the 
Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and 
the Lord shall raise him up : and if he have committed 
sins, they shall be forgiven him. 

A DEVOUT prayer is always necessary, even 
in days of health; why then should a 
person who is sick and using medicine 
forget to pray? As regards the medicine and its 
use, (1) the sick person should not despise the 
physician and his prescriptions. He is not to 
think : "If I am to get well, God can cure me 
without medicine ; and if I am to die, medicine 
will not help me." No; we should not think 
thus; for to do so, is to tempt God. He has 
not promised to help us without the use of 
means. And what God has not promised, we 
cannot expect from Him. Those who despise the 
medicine and die are the murderers of their own 
body. At the same time, however, (2) we are 
not to put all our confidence in the physician 
and the medicine, but in God. Among the sins 
of King Asa, this was reckoned as one, that 

28 



434 For the Use of the Sick. 

in his disease "he sought not to the Lord but to 
the physicians." (2 Chron. 16 :12.) (3) The pa- 
tient should choose the medium between the two 
extremes: he should pray with his lips and 
heart, and with firm confidence in God's help 
he should use the medicine. Then he knows 
that the medicine will be blessed for him. 

PRAYER. 

Great God! Thou seest my condition; for 
nothing is hidden from Thine all-seeing eye. 
The darkest places are light to Thee. Thou seest 
my sick bed, and knowest how I feel. my God, 
I will use the prescribed medicine in Thy name : 
but my only hope is in Thee; for Thou art the 
Lord, our Physician. Nevertheless since Thou 
lettest the herbs grow out of the earth, and hast 
Thyself created the means which are used as 
medicine to restore men to health, I will now, 
with a heart-felt calling upon Thy name and with 
prayer, use the medicine. Do Thou Thyself add 
Thy blessing to it. I know, indeed, that Thou 
canst help and heal without medicine ; for Thou 
needest but to speak the word, and the sick 
become well; Thou needest only to nod, and 
disease flees. But since Thou hast commanded 
us to use means, I will obey, and employ them ; 
and I pray Thee, O mighty God, to bless the 
medicine which I now take in Thy name and in 



Prayer ivhen Taking Medicine. 435 

firm reliance on Thee. Let it be the means of 
restoring me to health, of soothing my pain, 
and of strengthening me in my weakness. If 
Thou addest Thy blessing, the most insignificant 
herb may help me. I do not take the medicine 
for the purpose of compelling my health to re- 
turn, but as a means which Thou hast permitted 
me to use for regaining my health from Thy 
gracious hand. I lift up my eyes to heaven 
when I take the medicine into my hand. I pray 
to Thee before I take it, while I take it, and after 
I take it. If Thou wilt now let it benefit me, 
I shall be restored; for my days are in Thy 
hands. Without Thy blessing nothing can suc- 
ceed. Therefore I cry to Thee for Thy blessing. 
What Thou blessest is blessed forever. If Thou 
wilt let this medicine be the means of curing 
me, I will, indeed, give Thee thanks for it ; but I 
will also remember that not the medicine in 
itself, but Thy grace has preserved me, and Thy 
hand has healed me ; and, with Hezekiah of old, 
I will spread abroad Thy praise among all men. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 

C. M. D. 

Commit thou all thy griefs 

And ways into His hands, 
To His sure truth and tender care, 

Who earth and heaven commands: 



436 For the Use of the Sick. 

Who points the clouds their course, 

Whom winds and seas obey, 
He shall direct Thy wandering feet, 

He shall prepare thy way. 

Thou on the Lord rely, 

So safe shalt thou go on ; 
Fix on His work thy steadfast eye, 

So shall thy work be done. 
No profit canst thou gain 

By self-consuming care; 
To Him commend Thy cause ; His ear 

Attends the softest prayer. 

Thy everlasting Truth, 

Father, Thy ceaseless Love, 
Sees all Thy children's wants, and knows 

What best for each will prove. 
And whatso'er Thou will'st 

Thou dost, O King of kings! 
What Thy unerring Wisdom chose, 

Thy Power to being brings. 

Thou everywhere hast sway, 

And all things serve Thy might; 
Thy every act pure blessing is, 

Thy path unsullied light. 
When Thou arisest, Lord, 

What shall Thy work withstand? 
When all Thy children want Thou giv'st, 

Who, who shall stay Thy hand. 

— Paul Gerhardt, 1656. 
John Wesley, Tr, 1739. 



When Suffering Great Pain. 437 



THE SICK PERSON PRAYS FOR THE 
ALLEVIATION OP HIS PAIN. 

MEDITATION. 

Job 16 : 6. Though I speak, my grief is not as- 
suaged : and though I forbear, what am I eased? 

THE bodily ailments which God permits to 
come upon men are not all alike. Upon 
some God sends sickness in which not a 
limb of their body, not even a finger pains them. 
Others, on the contrary, are visited with the 
greatest pains. This should teach us (1) that if 
we would pray, learn to know God, and be recon- 
ciled with Him, we ought not to wait till we 
are sick. Do not delay your repentance till you 
are ill. For if there be very severe pain, how 
can you pray, or think of God, or be reconciled 
with Him? The greatness of the pain makes 
it impossible to do so. 

If a sick person is attacked with great pain, 

(2) he should not on that account murmur 
against God, but bear it meekly and patiently. 

(3) He dare, however, pray for the alleviation 
of his pain, even as Christ did in His suffer- 
ings. Children tell their troubles to their par- 
ents, and why should not a child of God bring 
his troubles before His heavenly Father? 

While he is suffering great pain, (4) the sick 



438 For the Use of the Sick. 

person should think of the great sins which 
he has committed during his life-time, and 
should acknowledge that his sufferings are well- 
deserved. But he should also think of God's 
great mercy and power, and remember that God 
can deliver him. (5) If he is unable to pray 
much or for any great length of time, he should 
sigh to God, and remember that such heart-felt 
sighs do not go unheard. (6) Impatience does 
not relieve the pain, but only makes it worse. 

PRAYER. 

Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my sup- 
plications, my King and my God ! for unto Thee 
will I pray. O Lord, I pray and beseech Thee 
to look upon me in mercy in my bodily weak- 
ness, and to relieve my great pain and suffer- 
ing. 

Thou hast promised, that Thou wilt not let 
us be tempted above that we are able, but wilt 
with the temptation also make a way of escape 
that we may be able to bear it. Behold, my 
God, the burden is too heavy for me, the pains 
overwhelm me, my body is weak, my strength 
is gone, my tongue cleaves to the roof of my 
mouth, my bones are consumed like a brand, 
mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. O how 
long shall my soul be troubled, how long shall 
I long after God? Delay not, O God: Thou 



When buffering Great Pain. 439 

knowest what great sufferings I endure. Thou 
knowest that the days and nights of my pain 
have been many; Thou hast heard how I have 
sighed, and moaned, and complained, and cried 
unto Thee. Whither shall I go in my distress 
and pain? Whither can I go, but to Thee alone, 
my Lord and my God? If I told my troubles to 
all men, they would doubtless pity me, but they 
could not deliver me. Therefore I come to Thee. 
I know Thou canst help me. It lies with Thee. 
Speak but the word, and I shall live. 

O dearest Jesus, who commandedst the rag- 
ing sea to be calm, command my pain to cease. 
Thou who by a word didst heal the man sick of 
the palsy, magnify Thy mercy in me. Make 
me glad according to the days in which Thou 
hast afflicted me, and in which I have seen evil. 
O, come to my rescue before my pain becomes 
unendurable. And if it be Thy will that I shall 
continue to suffer, sustain me by Thy grace, that 
in faith and patience I may wait for Thy help. 
O lay Thy gracious hand upon me, and I shall 
be restored and freed from pain. 

Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, 
Lord. Lord, hear my voice: let Thine ears be 
attentive to the voice of my supplications. My 
soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that 
watch for the morning; for I know that with 
Him is plenteous redemption. Help me, Thou 



440 For the Use of the SicTc. 

God of my Salvation, for Thy name's sake; de- 
liver me; forgive me all my sins for Thy good- 
ness sake, O Lord. Yet not my will, but Thine 
be done. If I am to suffer longer, be it so ac- 
cording to Thy will. But O grant me strength 
to endure my sufferings. O my God, give me 
occasionally a day, or at least an hour, of re- 
spite from pain, that I may be refreshed and 
strengthened. Our affliction is light and but for 
a moment; therefore, relieve my pain, and at 
last free me from it entirely. Amen. 

HYMN. 

S. M. 

"My times are in Thy hand!" 

My God, I wish them there; 
My life, my friends, my soul, I leave 

Entirely to Thy care. 

"My times are in Thy hand," 

Whatever they may be; 
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright, 

As best may seem to Thee. 

"My times are in Thy hand;" 
Why should I doubt or fear? 

My Father's hand will never cause 
His child a needless tear. 

"My times are in Thy hand," 

Jesus, the Crucified! 
The hand my cruel sins had pierced 

Is now my guard and guide. 

— IV. F. Lloyd, 1835. 



God's Presence and Support. 441 

THE SICK PERSON PRAYS GOD NOT TO 
FORSAKE HIM. 

MEDITATION. 

Isa. 49: 14-16. Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken 
me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman 
forget her sucking child, that she should not have 
compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may 
forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold I have 
graven thee upon the palms of my hands. 

AS poor persons rejoice to possess a rich 
benefactor, and forsaken ones, to find 
powerful assistance; so the sick person 
may be cheerful and happy in his affliction, be- 
cause he has the promise that God will not 
forsake him. He should (1) remember that to 
delay sending help is not the same as to for- 
sake. Many sick persons, if God does not help 
them at once in the way they desire, at once 
cry out and say that God has forsaken them. 
But we ought not to think thus. Help which 
God has delayed He has not on that account 
withheld. If He does not help whenever we 
think He ought, He nevertheless helps when it 
is necessary. (2) The sick person should re- 
member that God has appointed an hour in 
which He will help. He should, therefore, 
patiently wait till that hour comes. 

He should (3) inquire whether in his days of 
health he did not forsake God. And if he did, 



442 For the Use of the Sick. 

can lie wonder that God should chastise him 
for so doing? God desires to remind him of 
his folly now by delaying the promised help. 
(4) Therefore the sick person should remain 
steadfast, and confidently say: "God cannot 
forsake me: I am his child. God does not wish 
to forsake me: He has promised not to do so. 
God will not forsake me: He has often helped 
me in days gone by." If he thus trusts in God, 
he will take the delay of God's help patiently, 
and behold at last the glorious proof that God 
has not forsaken him. 

PRAYER. 

O dearest God and Father, who hast loyed 
me with an eyerla sting loye, and drawn me 
with loying kindness! Behold I am sick, and 
come to Thee, humbly praying that Thou 
wouldest not forsake me in my bodily weakness. 
Thou knowest, O God, that without Thee there 
is no help for me. Thou art the mighty God 
of Jacob, the Defender of Israel, the Kefuge of 
the afflicted, the Helper of the needy, our Stay 
in trouble. The Lord is on my side: I will not 
fear. He will arise and haye mercy upon Zion; 
for the time to fayor me, yea the set time, is 
come. Men say, We cannot help you; and thus 
I am forsaken by all men. Yet I know that I 
am not forsaken by Thee. For thou, O Lord, 



(}od y s Presence and Support. 443 

forsakest none who trust in Thee. And though 
we do not understand Thy ways, we need not 
fear. In Thine own time Thou wilt deliver us. 

O God, forsake me not. Behold, how long 
I have suffered. In the evening I think, I will 
be better to-morrow; at noon I long for the 
evening; and in the night I cry, Watchman, 
what of the night? My soul waiteth for Thee 
more than they that watch for the morning. O 
my God, forsake me not. Behold how my suffer- 
ings constantly increase. O let not the burden 
overwhelm me utterly. Take away the heavy 
stone which rests upon me, the rod which 
smites me, the pains which torment me. Thou 
knowest how weak I am. Thou knowest how 
much I am able to endure. My God, forsake 
me not. Behold how manifold are my suffer- 
ings. It seems that my troubles increase in- 
stead of diminishing. Whither can I go, if 
Thou forsakest me? If Thou wilt not help me, 
no one can. If Thou forsakest me, I am left 
without help. 

But I know that Thou wilt not forsake me. 
I plead Thy promise: "I will not leave Thee 
nor forsake thee." They that trust in the Lord 
shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be re- 
moved, but abideth forever. The Strength of 
Israel has promised to give strength unto His 
people, and to deliver the needy when he crieth, 



444 For the Use of the Sick. 

the poor also, and him that hath no helper. 
I trust in Thy Word, and believe that Thou in 
heaven wilt keep Thy promise. Thou canst 
not forsake me; for I am Thy child. I am 
Thine own, purchased with Thy precious blood, 
and therefore Thou wilt and canst not forsake 
me. I am confident that Thou wilt not for- 
sake me; for Thou didst never yet forsake me 
in trouble and affliction, though sufferings 
without number came upon me, and the waves 
of trouble struck together above my head; and 
Thou wilt not forsake me now. With this hope 
I rest content. I trust in Thee, and am of 
good courage, and say, Lord, I will not let Thee 
go, except Thou bless me and help me in such 
a manner as may be pleasing to Thee. Amen. 



HYMN. 



God of my life, to Thee I call! 
Afflicted at Thy feet I fall; 
When the great water-floods prevail, 
Leave not my trembling heart to fail. 

Friend of the friendless and the faint! 
Where should I lodge my deep complaint? 
Where but with Thee, whose open door 
Invites the helpless and the poor? 

Did ever mourner plead with Thee, 
And Thou refuse that mourner's plea? 



L. M. 



Meditation upon Death. 445 

Does not the word still fixed remain, 
That none shall seek Thy face in vain? 

That were a grief I could not bear, 
Didst Thou not hear and answer prayer; 
But a prayer-hearing, answering God 
Supports me under every load. 

Fair is the lot that's cast for me; 
I have an Advocate with Thee; 
They whom the world caresses most 
Have no such privilege to boast. 

Poor though I be, despised, forgot, 
Yet God, my God, forgets me not; 
And he is safe and must succeed, 
For whom the Lord vouchsafes to plead. 

— William Cowper, 1779. 



THE SICK MAN MEDITATES UPON HIS 
DEATH. 

MEDITATION. 

II Tim. 4 : 6-8. The time of my departure is at 
hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my 
course, I have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid 
up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, 
the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day : and 
not to me only, but to all them that love His appear- 
ing. 

TO meditate upon death is (1) profitable; 
for in so doing we turn the heart away 
from vanity and sin, and view all earth- 
ly things as temporal, transitory, and unable 
to comfort us in the hour of death. To medi- 



446 For the Use of the BicTc. 

tate upon death is also (2) necessary, because 
those who think that death is still far off from 
them often become bold, wanton, vicious, en- 
amored of the world, and conformed to it. And 
if death comes upon such persons unawares^ 
they are certainly lost. To meditate upon 
death is (3) salutary, because he who prepares 
for death does not really die when he dies, and 
death has lost its terrors for him; because the 
death of believers is nothing but their going 
to the Father, a sweet slumber. And who fears 
to go to his Father or to go to sleep in his bed? 
But (4) we should not think it a sign that a 
sick man will surely die, if he speaks much of 
death, makes arrangements for his funeral, 
makes his will, and prepares himself for a 
happy end. No one will die one moment ear- 
lier than God has determined that he shall. (5) 
We should not picture the hour of death to 
ourselves as something so fell and terrible, 
as many sick persons do. The heathen indeed 
have said, that death is the most terrible of all 
terrible things. But Christians die in the grace 
of God, in the arms of Jesus, in the fellowship 
of 'the Holy Spirit. What is there dreadful in 
this? Is not this rather comfort, sweetness, 
and joy? 



At the Prospect of Death. 447 

PRAYER. 

It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my 
life. Thus I sigh unto Thee, my God, as I per- 
ceive from my great and ever increasing weak- 
ness, that the end of my life is at hand. I de- 
sire to depart and be with Christ. I do not 
fear death; I have thought of it often while I 
was well, and now it does not seem so dread- 
ful to me. As the dove returned to Noah's 
ark with joy, and a stranger gladly hastens to 
his fatherland; even so I regard my death as a 
passing away from unrest to rest, and a safe 
arrival, after earth's pilgrimage, in the heaven- 
ly land of joy, in which all the longings of my 
heart shall be satisfied. 

I know that for the believer death is a gentle 
sleep, an entrance into eternal life. Wicked 
men and worldlings may w T ell fear death; for 
they have no gracious God, they are not in the 
fellowship of Jesus, and have not given their 
heart to be a dwelling-place of God the Holy 
Ghost But I am not afraid to die, because I 
am assured of Thy grace. The Lord is my 
light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? 
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom 
shall I be afraid? God is my Father, Jesus my 
Intercessor, the Holy Spirit my Guide and Com- 
forter; and I am going to Him, I shall come 



US For the Use of the Sick. 

into His presence; why should I be afraid? 
The Bridegroom of niy soul will welcome His 
bride kindly. 

When Jesus spoke of his approaching death, 
He said, I go to the Father. Yes, dearest 
Jesus, I also will say: When I die, I shall go 
to the Father, to heaven, to bliss, to eternal 
life. Why should I be afraid to die? Jesus 
is mine, His righteousness is mine, His merit 
is mine, His heaven is mine; why should I not 
be glad? The body returns to the earth as it 
was; but the spirit to God who gave it. It 
passes from earth to heaven, from vanity to 
salvation, from sorrow to joy, from suffering to 
bliss. Is not this a blessed transition? I go 
to rest, to joy, to gladness, to light, to pleasures 
eternal. Behold, Thy angels surround my bed 
to accompany my soul to glory above. Behold, 
Jesus stands with outstretched arms to receive 
me, His child. And thousands upon thousands 
of believers stand ready to welcome me. 

Therefore I am content. I forget, those 
things which are behind, — the earth and all 
earthly things which I here possess; and I 
reach forth unto those things that are before, 
— the heavenly treasures which are laid up for 
me above. I have fought a good fight, I have 
finished my course, I have kept the faith. 
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of 



At the Prospect of Death. 449 

righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous 
Judge, will grant to me at that day, and not 
to me only, but to all them that love His ap- 
pearing. How well it will be with me, when 
this earthly house of mine is dissolved! How 
blessed I shall be, when I am in the arms of 
Jesus! How happy I shall be, when I shall 
have passed through death unto life eternal. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 

lis. 

I would not live alway; I ask not to stay 
Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the 

way; 
The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here 
Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its 

cheer. 

I would not live alway, thus fettered by sin, 
Temptation without, and corruption within; 
E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with 

fears, 
And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent 

tears. 

I would not live alway; no, welcome the tomb; 
Since Jesus has lain there, I dread not its 

gloom. 
There sweet be my rest till He bid me arise 
To hail Him in triumph descending the skies. 

Who, who would live alway, away from His 
God? 

29 



450 For the Use of the Sick. 

Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode, 
Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the 

bright plains, 
And the noontide of glory eternally reigns. 

Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet, 
Their Saviour and brethren transported to 

greet; 
While the songs of salvation unceasingly roll, 
And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the 

soul? 

— William Augustus Muhlenberg, 1826. 



Thou liv'st and lovest without end, 
And dost perforin Thy word: 

My parting soul I now commend 
To Thee, my God and Lord. 

— Philip Frederick Hiller, 1763. 
Miss Winkworth, Tr. 1855. 



The Grave and the Resurrection. 451 



THE SICK PERSON MEDITATES UPON 

THE GRAVE AND THE 

RESURRECTION. 

MEDITATION. 

John 11: 25. Jesus said unto her, I am the resur- 
rection and the life : he that believeth in me, though 
he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth 
and believeth in me shall never die. 

HE who views the grave as a Christian 
will not be terrified by it, however 
gloomy it may appear. For (1) it is 
a place of rest from all pain, misery, woe, and 
grief. And while the body of the godly lies 
thus freed from pain, and sleeping, (2) the soul 
enjoys heavenly and eternal joy. For the souls 
of the righteous are in God's hand. No sor- 
row can touch them. Comfort, joy, and glad- 
ness shall be theirs forever. (3) Nor shall the 
body remain in the grave; but after its weary 
members have rested a season, it shall rise 
again on the last day in glory, shine like the 
sun, and be re-united with the soul. 

If it should be objected (4), that we must 
leave our dear ones and our earthly possessions 
behind us, we should remember that in heaven 
there will be a general re-union. If our dear 
ones remain in the faith and fear God, they 
shall follow us. And then we shall never be 



452 For the Use of the Sick. 

parted from them again. As regards our earthly 
possessions, God will give us in their stead 
heavenly and eternal possessions. If the sick 
person reflects upon all these things, the 
thought of the grave will lose its terrors. 

PRAYER. 

Gracious and merciful God! I am prepared 
to live or die according to Thy holy will. I am 
not afraid of death, because I know death will 
bring me rest after all my troubles and suffer- 
ings. For when I depart from this world, I 
shall take leave of all pain, sorrow, crosses, 
and turmoil. I shall enter upon rest and joy; 
I shall be delighted, refreshed, and gladdened, 
after all the weary days and sorrowful nights 
which I have spent on earth. I do not fear 
the grave; for it is my chamber of rest. My 
distresses, my sickness, my sufferings shall not 
enter the grave with me. They shall remain 
behind. O quiet retreat, O pleasant resting- 
place! When shall my weary limbs and frail 
body be laid within thee? 

Jesus Himself has hallowed the grave, and 
made it a resting-place. When He was laid in 
the grave after His crucifixion, all His pain and 
sorrow ceased. In like manner the Lord has 
prepared a resting-place in the earth for my 
body, and a haven of rest in heaven for my soul. 



The Grave and the Resurrection. 453 

Though men seek for beautiful houses, and 
soft beds to rest upon, .these are not to be com- 
pared with my grave. From a beautiful house 
one may be driven out by fire, or foes, or other 
calamities. But in my grave no one shall dis- 
turb me. Jesus will guard my bones, that 
none of them be lost; yea, He will bring them 
together again after they are decayed. In the 
softest bed many a one is full of pain and dis- 
comfort; but in my grave no misfortune shall 
come near me, no pain shall touch me. For the 
grave is a bed that is free from all suffering 
and pain. 

Why then should I fear the grave? I shall 
not remain in it always. I know that my Ee- 
deemer liveth, and that He will call me forth 
from the tomb. Jesus says, "He that believeth 
in me hath everlasting life; and I will raise him 
ujj at the last day." Consequently my stay in 
the grave shall be short. My body shall sleep 
only till Jesus comes and says, "Arise, ye dead, 
and appear at the judgment." The hour is 
coming in which all that are in their graves 
shall hear His voice and shall come forth. 
When I hear that voice, I also shall rise from 
my grave. My body, made immortal and glori- 
fied, shall be re-united with my soul; and I 
shall shine like the sun, having all my imper- 
fections taken away. 



454 For the Use of the Sick. 

As the grain of wheat shoots forth from the 
earth a green blade, after it appears to have 
died, so shall niy bones be gathered together, 
and be covered with sinews and flesh. My body 
is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorrup- 
tion: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in 
power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised 
a spiritual body, endowed with celestial attri- 
butes. Here it has been a sick and afflicted 
earthly body; but there it shall be a strong and 
glorious heavenly body. Amen. 



HYMN. 

S. M. 

And must this body die, 

This mortal frame decay? 
And must these active limbs of mine 

Lie moldering in the clay? 

God my Eedeemer lives, 

And often from the skies 
Looks down and watches all my dust, 

Till He shall bid it rise. 

Arrayed in glorious grace 

Shall these vile bodies shine, 
And every shape and every face 

Look heavenly and divine. 

These lively hopes we owe 

To Jesus' dying love: 
We would adore His grace below, 

And sing His power above. 



Thanksgiving for Recovery. 455 

Dear Lord, accept the praise 

Of these our humble songs, 
Till tunes of nobler sound we raise 

With our immortal tongues. 

— Watts, lyog. 



THE CHRISTIAN THANKS GOD FOR HIS 
RESTOEATION TO HEALTH. 

MEDITATION. 

John 5 : 14. Behold, thou art made whole : sin no 
more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 

THAT most sick persons are glad to pray 
is well known. And that most of them 
make many promises to God, vowing 
that, if God lets them become well again, they 
will be new creatures, pious Christians, earn- 
est in prayer, regular in attending divine ser- 
vices, and become new in life and heart and 
conduct, is well known also. But that only a 
small proportion of them keep their promises 
is a fact that is, alas, taught by daily experi- 
ence. After they have regained their health, 
the majority of them remain as vain, vicious, 
unruly, misbehaved, and defiant as they were 
before, if they do not become even worse. 

Therefore a true Christian whom God has re- 
stored to health should (1) acknowledge, praise 



456 For the Use of the Sick. 

and magnify God's almighty power, which cast 
him upon the bed of sickness, but which also 
raised him again from it, and graciously deliv- 
ered him from the perils of death. (2) He 
should keep the vows which he made upon his 
sick-bed, remembering that they have been 
made to God. For it is better not to promise, 
than not to keep what we promise. (3) If, like 
Hezekiah, the Christian has received new 
strength, he should not only kneel down and 
give thanks to his almighty Helper and Deliv- 
erer at home, but should hasten to the house of 
God, and there cast himself down before God's 
face, and give others an opportunity to learn of 
the grace which God has manifested toward 
him. (4) He should also remember the anguish 
of his soul, diligently reflect upon the peril of 
death in which he stood, lead a holy and godly 
life to the glory of the almighty Triune God, 
and so continue in faith and godly living, that, 
no matter when God may be pleased to call him 
away, he may henceforth always be prepared 
for a happy death and a blissful entrance upon 
eternal life. 

PRAYER. 

O almighty and gracious God! I come into 
Thy holy presence, and thank Thee from my 
inmost soul, that Thou hast restored me from 



Thanksgiving for Recovery. 457 

my illness. The anxious hours, the intense 
sufferings, the wretched nights, the great dan- 
ger in which I lay, — all these things are still 
fresh in my memory. But behold, Thy mighty 
hand has raised me from my bed. Thou hast 
placed me upon my feet again, and enabled me 
to go out and in. Thou hast turned for me my 
mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my 
sackcloth, and girded me with gladness. 

Lord, Lord, Thou hast done great things for 
me, whereof I am glad. Hitherto Thy love and 
mercy have helped me: and now I know full 
well, that he who serves Thee will be comforted 
after trial, be delivered out of trouble, and find 
grace after chastening. For Thou, O Lord, 
takest no pleasure in our destruction. Thou 
turnest the storm into sunshine, and our tears 
into smiles. I have experienced this mercy and 
faithfulness of Thine during my sickness; and 
I will remember it through all my life. I will 
recall the anxiety which oppressed my soul; 
but I will also, almighty God, make known 
before the congregation what Thou hast done 
for me. Thou hast blessed my medicine, soothed 
my pain, given me strength to overcome my 
affliction, and granted me days of refreshing 
after the tedious and wretched nights. Thou 
hast pitied me even as a father pitieth his chil- 
dren, Therefore, bless the Lord. O my soul; 



458 For the Use of the Sick. 

and all that is within nie, bless His holy name. 
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all 
His benefits. I will bless the Lord at all times ; 
His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 
My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the 
humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O 
magnify the Lord with me, all ye who, like 
me, have been in trouble, sickness, and pain; 
and let us exalt His name together. For when 
we poor ones cried, the Lord heard us, and 
saved us out of all our troubles. They who 
look unto the Lord in their affliction, and pray 
to Him, their faces are not ashamed: He does 
not let them go away sorrowful from His 
throne, but has compassion upon them. 

O my God, let me ever bear in mind the grace 
and mercy which Thou hast shown me. Now 
I know from experience, that Thou art a mighty 
God; that Thou canst make the dead alive, the 
sick well, the weak strong, and the sorrowful 
glad. I was nigh unto death, but Thy goodness 
preserved my life. Therefore, God, I have 
resolved that I will, by thy grace, employ to Thy 
glory the health which Thou hast restored, and 
spend in true godliness the life which Thou 
hast given me anew, and the years which, ac- 
cording to Thy will, I am yet to enjoy in this 
world. I have learned in my pain and illness, 
that silver and gold, and the honor and glory 



Thanksgiving for Recovery. 459 

of the world, and good friends, cannot take the 
burden of my cross from me; and that if Thou 
hadst not helped me, I should have perished 
in my distress. Henceforth I will therefore no 
longer seek after vain things, but find my de- 
light in Thee. I will avoid the sinful society 
of the world. I will compass Thine altar, O 
Lord, that I may publish with the voice of 
thanksgiving, and tell of all Thy wondrous 
works. Since Thou hast shown me this mercy, 
I will deny all ungodliness and wicked works, 
and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this 
present world, that, when the hour of my death 
which Thou hast appointed comes, I may be 
ready, like the wise virgins, to enter in at the 
marriage of the Lamb, and share eternal joy 
and glory. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Thy ceaseless, unexhausted love, 

Unmerited and free, 
Delights our evil to remove, 

And help our misery. 

Thou waitest to be gracious still; 

Thou dost with sinners bear: 
That saved, we may Thy goodness feel, 

And all Thy grace declare. 

Thy goodness and Thy truth to me, 
To every soul, abound; 



C. M. 



460 For the Use of the Sick. 

A vast unfathomable sea, 

Where all our thoughts are drowned. 

Its streams the whole creation reach, 

So plenteous is the store; 
Enough for all, enough for each, 

Enough for evermore. 

Faithful, O Lord, Thy mercies are, 

A rock that cannot move; 
A thousand promises declare 

Thy constancy of love. 

Throughout the universe it reigns, 

Unalterably sure; 
And while the truth of God remains, 

His goodness must endure. 

— C. Wesley, 1762. 



SCRIPTURE PASSAGES AND SHORT 

PRAYEES FOR THOSE WHO 

WERE SICK AND HAVE 

BEEN RESTORED TO 

HEALTH. 

Ps. 30 : 2. O Lord, my God, I cried unto Thee, and 
Thou hast healed me. 4 

BLESSED be the Lord, who hath shown to 
me His marvelous loving-kindness. 
Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will 
render praises unto Thee. For Thou hast de- 
livered my soul from death. Thou hast deliv- 



After Restoration to Health, 461 

ered my soul from falling, that I may walk in 
the land of the living. 

My God, my King, Thy various praise 
Shall fill the remnant of my days: 
Thy grace employ my humble tongue, 
Till death 'and glory raise the song. 

The wings of every hour shall bear 
Some thankful tribute to Thine ear; 
And every setting sun shall see 
New works of duty done for Thee. 



Gen. 32:10. I am not worthy of the least of all the 
mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast showed 
unto Thy servant. 

Yes, my God! It is Thy mercy and love 
alone which have moved Thee to deliver me 
from my pain and distress. I am altogether 
unworthy of such benefits. Thy faithfulness 
has been gloriously manifested in me. Thou 
hast shown tender compassion toward me, and 
hast dealt with me according to Thy promise. 
Let me never forget Thy faithfulness. Let it 
incite me to show love and faithfulness toward 
Thee all the days of my life: that, as Thy ser- 
vant, I may serve Thee according to Thy good 
pleasure, and may at last, as a good and faith- 
ful servant, hear the blessed words: "Enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord." 



462 For the Use of the &ichi 

All praise and thanks to God 

The Father now be given, 
The Son, and Him who reigns 

With them in highest heaven; 
The One eternal God 

Whom heaven and earth adore; 
For thus it was, is now, 

And shall be evermore. 



Job 33: 28, 29. He will deliver his soul from going 
into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Lo, all 
these things worketh God oftentimes with man, to 
bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened 
with the light of the living. 

O Lord Jesus, Thou hast shown Thyself to 
be my true Redeemer and Saviour, not only in 
preserving my soul, but also in guarding my 
body when there was but a step, yea, a hairs- 
breadth, between me and death. O deliver me 
henceforth also from all spiritual and bodily 
harm. Save me from the hand of mine enemies. 
Save me especially from the dominion of sin. 
Grant me grace to be light in the Lord and to 
walk as a child of light. Let me serve Thee 
without fear in holiness and righteousness all 
the days of my life. Grant me grace to perse- 
vere in faith, and to preserve a good conscience 
to the end. And let me spend the remaining 



After Restoration to Health. 463 

days of my earthly life, not in the lusts of men, 
but according to Thy will, that I may remain 
Thine forever. 

O Jesus, come and rule my heart 
And make me wholly Thine, 

That I may never more depart, 
Nor grieve Thy love divine. 



John 11 : 4. The sickness is not unto death, but 
for the glory of God. 

These words of Thine, my Saviour, spoken 
of Thy sick friend Lazarus, have been verified 
in me also. The sickness through which I 
passed was not unto death; for Thou hast gra- 
ciously restored me to health. To Thee alone 
belongs the glory. Let my restoration redound 
to Thy praise alone. Give me a new heart and 
mind. Let me proclaim abroad everywhere 
what great things Thou hast done unto me. 
Grant me grace to live for Thy glory only, and 
with body and soul to praise Thee without 
ceasing. 

Long as I live, I'll bless Thy name, 

God of eternal love! 
My work and joy shall be the same, 

In the bright world above. 



464 For the Use of the Sick. 

John 5 : 14. Behold, thou art made whole : sin no 
more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 

This warning, O Lord Jesus, let me ever keep 
in mind. Thou hast taken away from me a 
well-deserved punishment for my sins, and de- 
livered me from my sickness. It will be easy 
for Thee to visit me with a more severe afflic- 
tion, if I do not amend my ways. A worse cal- 
amity may very readily befall me, if I yield to 
sin again, and transgress Thy commands. 
Graciously preserve me from so doing. Guard 
me, that I may no more wilfully sin against 
Thee, but may walk before Thee and be perfect. 
O unite my heart to fear Thy name. 

Order my footsteps by Thy word, 
And make my heart sincere; 

Let sin have no dominion, Lord, 
But keep my conscience clear. 



Ill John 2. I wish above all that thou mayest pros- 
per and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth. 

My God, I have experienced during my ill- 
ness, that money and property and earthly pros- 
perity are vain, and of no avail to help; and 
that we cannot by any efforts of our own regain 
the precious gift of health. I thank Thee for 
this salutary lesson. Grant me grace to heed 



After Restoration to Health. 465 

it. Guard me, that I may not become enamored 
of earthly things, nor think of them more 
highly than I ought to think. Enable me to 
value my health as a precious treasure, to keep 
it with all diligence, and to avoid everything 
which would tend to ruin it. 

God of my life, whose gracious power 

Through various deaths my soul hath led: 

Or turned aside the fatal hour, 
Or lifted up my shaking head: 

In all my ways Thy hand I own, 

Thy ruling Providence I see: 
O help me still my course to run, 

And still direct my paths to Thee. 



Psalm 119 : 106. I have sworn, and I will perform 
it, that I will keep Thy righteous judgments. 

Often while I was sick I resolved to better 
my life; and often, O God, I vowed to Thee that 
I would do so. And now I renew my vow. Re- 
mind me of it often, and let me never forget to 
pay my vow to Thee. Grant me to this end the 
power of Thy Holy Spirit. Make of me through 
Him a new creature, who shall henceforth walk 
in Thy ways and keep Thy commandments. 
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me in. 
30 



466 For the Use of the Sick. 

all my ways. Let me live soberly, righteously, 
and godly in this present world to the end; so 
that I may experience in my own case, that 
godliness is profitable unto all things, having 
the promise of the life that now is and of that 
which is to come. 

Baptized into Thy name, 

Mysterious One in Three, 
My soul and body claim, 
A sacrifice to Thee; 
And let me live my faith to prove, 

The faith which works by humble love. 

O that my life may shine, 

And all my life express 
The character divine. 

The real holiness; 
And then receive me to adore 
The Triune God for evermore. 



Psalm 37: 37. Mark the perfect man, and behold 
the upright : for the end of that man is peace. 

Gracious Father in heaven, let these words 
of Thine ever ring in my ears and resound in 
my heart. Give me grace to follow them faith- 
fully. Make me upright. Teach me to live 
according to Thy will; and let Thy Spirit lead 
me in the land of uprightness. Grant me ever- 



After Restoration to Health. 467 

increasing strength to follow after holiness, to 
do Thy wilL Enable me to grow more and more 
in faith, in love, and in godliness; and let my 
end be peace. 

Holy Ghost, with light divine 
Shine upon this heart of mine! 
Chase the shades of night away, 
Turn the darkness into day. 

See, to Thee I yield my heart; 
Shed Thy life through every part. 
A pure temple I would be, 
Wholly dedicate to Thee. 



Job 5 : 17-19. Behold, happy is the man whom God 
correcteth : therefore despise not thou the chastening 
of the Almighty ; for He maketh sore, and bindeth 
up : He woundeth, and His hands make whole. He 
shall deliver thee in six troubles : yea, in seven there 
shall no evil touch thee. 

How faithful is Thy Word, O God! I have 
fared exactly as it is written there. Thou didst 
make me sore, and bind me up; Thou didst 
wound me, and make me whole. Thou hast 
delivered me out of many and various troubles. 
Blessed be Thy holy name! Perhaps some new 
trouble awaits me; Thou alone knowest. But 
if it should come, grant that I may be ready 
and prepared for it, and may trust in Thy 



468 For the Use of the Sick. 

Word. Let me remember then how often Thou 
hast gloriously helped me; and let me, in child- 
like trust and hope, look upward to Thee, and 
wait for Thy help. Let me then also, even 
while Thou chastenest, taste and see that Thou, 
Lord, art good, and that all things shall work 
together for good to them that love Thee. 

What if the springs of life were broke, 
And flesh and heart should faint? 

God is my soul's eternal Kock, 
The strength of every saint. 

Thy counsels, Lord, shall guide my feet 
Through this dark wilderness; 

Thy hand conduct me near Thy seat, 
To dwell before Thv face. 



Rom. 6 : 11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves 
to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. 

My God, Thou hast prolonged my days and 
given me a new lease of life. To Thee alone 
therefore my years belong. Impel me con- 
stantly to consecrate them to Thee. Let me 
daily die unto sin and live unto righteousness. 
Let me live to Thy glory, and regulate my con- 
duct according to Thy will. Let me always 
find favor in Thy sight through Jesus Christ 



After Restoration to Health. 469 

my Lord. Eenew me more and more by Thy 
grace, and make me to be a living sacrifice, 
holy, acceptable unto Thee. Keep me in Thy 
fellowship to the end, and let no one pluck me 
out of Thy hand. 

Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly Dove, 
With light and comfort from above. 
Be Thou my Guardian, Thou my Guide; 
O'er every step and thought preside. 

Conduct me safe, conduct me far 
From every sin and hurtful snare; 
Lead me to God, my final Best, 
In His enjoyment to be blest. 



BOOK IV, 



For the Use of the Dying and 
Those Who Surround Them. 



THE DYING PEKSON PLACES HIMSELF 
BEFOKE GOD'S JUDGMENT. 

MEDITATION. 

II Cor. 5 : 10. For we must all appear before the 
judgment seat of Christ: that every one may receive 
the things done in his body, according to that he hath 
done, whether it be good or bad. 

ST. PAUL says, "If we would judge ourselves, 
we should not be judged" (I Cor. 11 : 31). 
And certainly, if a man examines his own 
life, accuses himself, and prays for mercy for 
Christ's sake, God will not judge and condemn 
him, but be merciful to him. For whoever con- 
fesses his sins and forsakes them, obtains mercy. 
This is what a dying person should do. He 
should remember (1) that he must appear before 
the judgment-seat of God; for it is appointed 
unto men once to die; but after this, the judg- 
ment. This judgment takes place immediately 
after death : the soul must at once appear before 
God. If, while he was in this world, man has 

(470) 



Before GocVs Judgment. 471 

lived in faith and holiness, he shall not come 
into judgment. His sins having been forgiven 
on earth for Christ's sake,they are no longer re- 
membered in heaven, but remain forgiven. The 
wicked man, however, will be judged, because he 
has died without being reconciled to God. There- 
fore the dying person will do well (2) to become 
reconciled to God in good time, to beseech God 
for forgiveness for Christ's sake, and thus ob- 
tain favor. TEen whether he dies suddenly or 
gradually, according as God has decreed, he is 
assured that God will receive his soul in mercy, 
and that on the last day he will, as one who is 
justified for Christ's sake, enter upon eternal 
joy. 

PRAYER. 

I know, O my God, that it is appointed unto 
men once to die; but after this the judgment. 
Therefore I place myself before Thy judgment 
now while I am still alive, and desire to be 
reconciled with Thee before I die. O righteous 
God, because I do not know how long it will be 
till I shall depart from this world, I come be- 
fore Thy judgment and accuse myself. 

O Lord, I acknowledge that I am a great sin- 
ner. I have transgressed all Thy holy command- 
ments, and have often done so knowingly. I 
have not loved Thee with all my heart, and with 
all my soul, and with all my strength. I have 



472 For the Use of the Dying. 

not always followed in the footsteps of Jesus, 
nor let myself be always led by the Holy Spirit 
as I ought to have done. I have, indeed, become 
Thy child in Holy Baptism, but I have not al- 
ways lived as Thy child. In coming to Confes- 
sion, and in partaking of the Lord's Supper, I 
have promised much ; but I have kept little, and 
have been conformed again to the world. Lord, 
I have not done right, and my sins oppress me. 
I have not walked in the way which Thou hast 
shown me. Mine iniquities are gone over my 
head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy 
for me. 

O gracious God, who hast promised that Thou 
Avouldest not have the death of the sinner, but 
that he turn from his way and live; behold I 
come now, while I am still in the possession of 
my faculties and able to think, and desire to 
make my peace with Thee. O, I repent of my 
sins ; I fall down before Thy judgment-seat, and 
say, Lord God, the Father in heaven, have mercy 
upon me; Lord God the Son, Kedeemer of the 
world, have mercy upon me; Lord God the Holy 
Ghost, have mercy upon me. I seek refuge, O 
Father, in Thine infinite mercy. I have sinned 
against heaven and in Thy sight, and am no 
more worthy to be called Thy child; but I be- 
seech Thee, be merciful to me and disown me not 
on account of my sins. 



Before God's Judgment. 473 

O Jesus, I flee to Thee, my Intercessor; I be- 
seech Thee, pray for me poor sinner now in the 
hour of my death. For if any man sin, we have 
an advocate with God, Jesus Christ the right- 
eous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not 
for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world. 
For the sake of Thy precious blood forgive me 
all my sins, and for Thy holy wounds' sake let 
me find grace before the bar of justice. Have 
mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving- 
kindness; according to the multitude of Thy 
tender mercies blot out my transgressions. O 
Blessed Holy Spirit, I flee to Thee : create in me 
a new heart; cleanse and sanctify it; and bear 
witness with my spirit, that I am a child of God 
and am regarded with favor. Work in me true 
repentance, living faith, and the holy purpose to 
live only for Thy glory and to die in child-like 
obedience. Work in me holy thoughts, devout 
supplications, and sweet meditations on death. 
Grant me refreshing thoughts of heaven and the 
future glory. Speak to my heart the comforting 
words : "My son, be of good cheer : thy sins 
be forgiven thee." Then I shall not be afraid 
to die, because I know that the sins which are 
forgiven here are forgiven in heaven also. O 
Holy Trinity, be gracious unto me ; when I leave 
this world let me find favor with Thee; do not 



474 For the Use of the Dying. 

impute my sins unto me, but have mercy upon 
me according to Thy loving-kindness. Amen. 

HYMN. 

8, 7, 8, 8. 
(Herr, Ich habe missgehandelt.) 

Lord, to Thee I make confession, 

I have sinned and gone astray, 
I have multiplied transgression, 

Chosen for myself my way. 
Forced at last to see my errors, 
Lord, I tremble at Thy terrors. 

Yet, though conscience' voice appal me, 

Father, I will seek Thy face; 
Though Thy child I dare not call me, 

Yet receive me to Thy grace; 
Do not for my sins forsake me, 
Let not yet Thy wrath overtake me. 

For Thy Son hath suffered for me, 

And the blood He. shed for sin, 
That can heal me and restore me, 

Quench this burning fire within; 
'Tis alone His cross can vanquish 
These dark fears, and soothe this anguish. 

Then on Him I cast my burden, 

Sink it in the depths below! 
Let me feel Thy gracious pardon, 

Wash me, make me white as snow. 
Let Thy Spirit leave me never, 
Make me only Thine forever. 

— John Frank, 1649. 

Miss Wink-worth, Tr.i862. 



Reconciliation with Men. 475 



THE DYING PERSON FORGIVES AND 
ASKS FORGIVENESS. 

MEDITATION. 

Matt. 6: 14, 15. For if ye forgive men their tres- 
passes, your heavenly Father will also forgive you : 
but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will 
your Father forgive your trespasses. 

IN order to be prepared for a happy death, it 
is necessary to be reconciled with our fel- 
low-men. The dying person should not post- 
pone this reconciliation, but attend to it in time, 
while his mind is still clear. (1) He should re- 
member that, though other persons may have 
done him much wrong, he is not to carry with 
him to the grave any ill feeling toward those 
who are his enemies or who have wronged him, 
but is to forgive them from the heart, and if 
possible, make known to them, either by some 
favor or through good friends, that he has for- 
given them. 

If he has grieved or offended others, (2) he 
should not rest until he has effected a reconcili- 
ation with them. Nor should he be ashamed 
to ask them to come before his death-bed, and 
there sincerely to ask their forgiveness. If they 
cannot be present, he should apologize to them 
by letter ; or if they are dead, he should ask God 
for pardon for the wrong he has done. It is 



476 For the Use of the Dying. 

necessary also to return to the proper owner 
anything which has been stolen or obtained by 
fraud, and to restore to the owner or his heirs 
any property which has been unjustly obtained; 
for the sin cannot be forgiven as long as no 
restitution of things dishonestly acquired is 
made. 

The dying person should be moved (3) to seek 
such a reconciliation by a sense of his Christian 
duty, as well as by the divine command and 
threat in Matt. 6 :15, remembering, that if he is 
not willing to forgive others, he cannot obtain 
the forgiveness of God. As you treat your ene- 
mies, so God will treat you. 

PRAYER. 

My God, I live, but I know not how long; I 
must die, but I know not when. I desire, there- 
fore, to be reconciled with my neighbor in good 
time, in order that I may leave the world at 
peace with all. men. Heaven is called the home 
of peace. Irreconcilable, revengeful souls, and 
souls filled with anger and hatred, shall not 'be 
admitted into it, but excluded. Consequently I 
would free my heart from all anger and enmity, 
and .willingly forgive and ask forgiveness, in or- 
der that God may for Christ's sake receive me 
into favor as one who is reconcilable to his fel- 
lowmen. 



Reconciliation ivith Men. 477 

I am still on the way to eternity; therefore I 
will lay aside all malice, confident that as I for- 
give from the heart, so Thou wilt also forgive 
me. Therefore 1 herewith forgive from my heart 
all my enemies and all those who have at any 
time offended me by words or deeds. I pardon 
and forgive them, not only with my mouth, but 
also with my heart, and before God. I will no 
more think of their offense; I will forget it. 
And as a proof of my forgiveness, I wish them 
every good, and will do good to them whenever 
and wherever I can. Yea, I pray God to bless 
them, and to let it be well with them and their 
children in time and eternity. 

And as I now forgive and have forgiven all 
those who have ever angered, offended, harmed, 
or grieved me; so I also herewith ask forgive- 
ness of all those whom I have ever offended by 
word or deed, or whom I have injured or grieved. 
O forgive me, my dear friends, for the love of 
Jesus; bear no malice toward me. I acknowl- 
edge that. I have wronged you, and herewith 
sincerely ask your forgiveness; and if God 
should permit me to see you all here before my 
death-bed, I would ask your forgiveness in per- 
son. 

O merciful God, graciously forgive me all the 
sins which I have ever committed out of malice 
or weakness, intentionally or unintentionally, 



478 For the Use of the Dying. 

against my neighbor. I now banish all enmity 
from my heart. I will not seek revenge; I will 
no longer think of my injuries. O remember 
not my sins and iniquities. O heavenly Father, 
have mercy upon me. O my Jesus, wash me 
clean from all my sins, and intercede for me. O 
Holy Spirit, sanctify my heart, and cleanse it 
from all imperfections. Thus I die happy and 
blessed. Amen. 

HYMN. 



Jesus, in Thy dying woes, 
Even while Thy life-blood flows, 
Craving pardon for Thy foes : — 
Hear us, holy Jesus! 

Saviour, for our pardon sue, 
When our sins Thy pangs renew, 
For we know not what we do. 
Hear us, holy Jesus! 

Oh, may we who mercy need, 
Be like Thee in heart and deed, 
When with wrong our spirits bleed! 
Hear us, holy Jesus! 

— T. B. Pollock. 



P. M. 



Farewell to Dear Ones. 479 



THE DYING PERSON BIDS FAREWELL 

TO HIS DEAR ONES, AND GIVES 

THEM HIS BLESSING. 

MEDITATION. 

Acts 20: 32. And now, brethren, I commend you 
to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able 
to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among 
all them which are sanctified. 

THAT persons who are about to die bid 
farewell to their dear ones and friends, 
and, if they have any children, give their 
blessing to these, is a well-known incident in 
Scripture, and is illustrated in the case of Moses, 
Isaac, Jacob, Jesus Christ, and others. Such a 
blessing (1) is not vain; for, since it is a fare- 
well prayer which the dying person makes for 
his dear ones, it will not go unheard, if it springs 
from faith and is made in Christ's name. (2) 
The last words of a dying person generally make 
a profound impression upon those who are left 
behind; and the admonition of a dying father 
or mother or friend is not soon forgotten, but 
remains in the mind as a spur to right conduct. 
As it is laudable for a dying person to take 
leave of the world with prayer, blessing, and 
good wishes, so he should (3) be careful not to 
wish evil to any one; for this would be a form 
of revenge, and be unbecoming to a Christian. 



480 For the Use of the Dying. 

(4) Children should be admonished not to bring 
grief and heart-ache upon their parents in days 
of health, lest they make it impossible for their 
parents to leave them their blessing. The curse 
of parents often turns the fortune of wicked 
children into misfortune. But pious Christians 
will give even their bad children a blessing rather 
than a curse. 

PRAYER. 

eternal, gracious, and mighty God ! I know 
not how near the end of my life may be, nor 
how soon Thou wilt exercise Thy authority and 
call me out of the world. Therefore I would 
prepare myself for death in good time, and turn 
to Thee with prayer and singing, finding in this 
occupation a means to delight and strengthen 
me in my weakness. For to pray and sing in 
distress restores to the heart new courage, and 
gives a foretaste of eternal life. 

1 would now prepare myself for the future 
world, and attend to all those things which yet 
need my attention in this present life. I there- 
fore bid farewell to all my relatives, acquaint- 
ances, benefactors, and friends. I commend 
them, O mighty God, to Thy protection, love, and 
grace. Do good to them in return for the love 
and kindness which they have shown me. And 
since I cannot recompense them, do Thou richly 
recompense them in my stead, I leave my 



Farewell to Dear Ones. 481 

friends, relatives, and acquaintances; but do 
not Thou, O great God, leave them. Keep them 
in Thy fear, in faith, and in holiness, that we 
may see one another again in heaven. I go the 
way of all the earth, and go before them. But 
in heaven those who believe and are children of 
God shall meet again. 

faithful God, pour Thy abundant blessing 
upon those whom I leave behind -me, and whom 
my departure will grieve and pain. The Lord 
bless you, my dear ones, in body and soul. The 
Lord be henceforth your Father, Provider, and 
Guardian, who shall take you under His care, 
provide for your necessities, and preserve you 
from all evil. Fear God and do right ; put your 
trust in Him, and know that He will have mercy 
upon you and be gracious to you. Turn not 
away from Him by unbelief, wickedness, or un- 
christian conduct, but be faithful to Him until 
death, and He will give you the crown of life. 
Forsake not God, and He will not forsake you. 
Honor, serve, love, and obey Him. Yes; the 
God of all grace and mercy bless your going out 
and your coming in, that you may be and remain 
the blessed of the Lord. O great God, I have 
blessed them; let them be blessed. 

1 now lay me in Thy arms, O Triune God: 
take my soul, and receive it into everlasting bliss. 

31 



482 For the Use of the Dying. 

I desire to depart and be with Christ. Lord 
Jesus, I live unto Thee, I die unto Thee; Thine 
I am in life and in death. Amen. 



HYMN. 



Ye servants of the Lord, 

Each in His office wait 
Observant of His heavenly word, 

And watchful at His gate. 

Let all your lamps be bright, 
And trim the golden flame; 

Gird up your loins, as in His sight, 
For awful is His name. 

Watch! 'tis your Lord's command; 

And while we speak, He's near. 
Mark the first signal of His hand, 

And ready all appear. 

O happy servant he, 

In such a posture found! 
He shall His Lord with rapture see, 

And be with honor crowned. 

— Doddridge, 1755. 



S. M. 



Commending the Soul to God, 483 



THE DYING PERSON COMMENDS HIM- 
SELF TO GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

Psalm 31:5. Into Thy hand I commit my spirit: 
Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. 

Luke 23 : 46. Father, into Thy hands I commend 
my spirit. 

DYING persons often have many things to 
order and arrange before their death. 
They want to put their house in order, 
and in their anxiety to do this they sometimes 
forget the most important thing of all, the care 
of their soul. But to act thus is foolish and 
wrong. (1) Every upright Christian should daily 
commit his body and soul to God's keeping, at 
evening when he retires to rest, and in the morn- 
ing when he arises from sleep. This is right and 
proper, because he does not know what God will 
command concerning him during the night or 
the day. But if good Christians do this every 
day, (2)those who are about to die should cer- 
tainly do it also. They have before them the ex- 
ample of their Saviour. When He was about to 
die, He said, "Father, into Thy hands I commend 
my spirit." Thus Stephen also, when he was 
stoned, said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 
Such a commending of our soul to God is pleas- 
ing to Him, because it is an evidence of our faith 



484 For the Vse of the Dying. 

and confidence in God. (3) It is also necessary 
to do this, because so many changes may take 
place in the condition of the dying person. And 
how well it is then, if, while he was yet in the 
possession of his senses, he committed his soul 
to God, and thus provided for the security of 
what is most valuable, leaving it to God's will 
whether he should live or die. If this has been 
done, we die in peace. 

PRAYER. 

Gracious and loving Father, who turnest man 
to destruction, and sayest, Keturn, ye children 
of men; who takest Thy dear ones to Thyself 
through death, and makest them partakers of the 
glory which Jesus has acquired by His bitter 
sufferings and death ! I am aware that my weak- 
ness is a voice loudly admonishing me: "Set 
thine house in order ; for thou shalt die and not 
live : prepare to meet the Bridegroom ; keep Thy 
lamp of faith burning." And since I do not 
know when my hour shall come, I would now, 
while there is yet time, commend myself to Thee, 
and commit my soul with all its powers to Thy 
keeping. Free my heart from all worldly things, 
drive out from it all worldly, sinful, and evil 
thoughts, that I may delight in Thee alone, re- 
joice in Thee, speak of Thee, picture to myself 
Thy glory, and contemplate unceasingly the 



Commending the Soul to God. 485 

heavenly joy which awaits me. Fill my heart 
with Thy Holy Spirit, that He may create good 
impulses within me. Help me to remember Je- 
sus Christ, and to keep His atoning death ever 
before my eyes. 

When the hour of death is at hand, preserve 
me, if it be Thy will, from temptations, despon- 
dency, extreme pain, and unbecoming actions. 
Let me remain conscious to my end, till my 
breath is gone from me, that my heart and mouth 
and spirit may sing and speak and pray. And if 
I should lose my speech, grant that I may taste 
Thy sweetness in my heart, and feel Thy pres- 
ence there. Grant me grace to die happy and 
joyful. Give me a glimpse of the blessedness 
above, and let me, in the hour of death, have a 
foretaste of the sweetness of heaven, that I may 
depart in joy and peace. 

As my spirit leaves my body, I commend it to 
Thee; ,0 take it into Thy hands. Father, into 
Thy hands I commend my soul. Lord Jesus, re- 
ceive my spirit. Clothe it with Thy perfect right- 
eousness, and lead it into the joys of heaven 
like a bride to the wedding festivities, like a 
child to its inheritance, till on the last day it 
shall be re-united with the body. Yea, I com- 
mend to Thee my body also, which shall lie in 
the cool earth ; grant it a soft repose till the last 
trumpet shall sound and give forth the call ; 



486 For the Use of the Dying. 

"Arise, ye dead, and appear before the judg- 
ment." And then let me for Christ's sake arise 
joyful to life eternal. Amen. 

HYMN. 

L. M. 6 lines. 

When the last agony draws nigh, 

My spirit sinks in bitter fear : 
Courage! I conquer though I die; 

For Christ with death once wrestled here. 
Thy strife, O Christ, with death's dark power 
Upholds me in this fearful hour. 

In faith I hide myself in Thee; 

I shall not perish in the strife; 
I share Thy war, Thy victory, 

And death is swallowed up of Life. 
Thy strife, O Christ, with death of yore 
Hath conquered, and I fear no more. 

— John Andrew Gramlich, 1727. 
Miss IVinkworth, Tr.1855. 



The Heavenly Home. 487 

THE DYING PERSON MEDITATES UPON 
HEAVEN. 

MEDITATION. 

Acts 7: 55. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, 
looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory 
of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. 

THERE can be nothing sweeter and more 
delightful to a believer than to think of 
God and heaven. In heaven is his home, 
his fatherland, his consolation, his inheritance, 
his crown, his glory, his heart's desire, his joy. 
His body is on earth, but his soul is in God ; his 
labor is on earth, but his thoughts are in heaven. 
If this should be the case with every believer, 
how much more should it be the case with one 
who is about to die. Many sad things are con- 
nected with death : the gathering darkness, the 
farewell from the dear ones, the tears of the on- 
lookers, the last agony, and the like. But all 
this sorrow may be sweetened, if the dying one 
will but direct his thoughts to that heaven which 
forms the object of his desires. (1) With the 
gathering gloom of earth he should contrast the 
glory of heaven, where all shall be light. (2) If 
the parting gives pain, he should think of the 
cherubim and seraphim, the holy angels and the 
elect in heaven, in whose company he shall spend 
eternity. (3) If he sees his dear ones weep, he 



488 For the Use of the Dying. 

should think of the everlasting joy, gladness, 
and bliss which await him in heaven, where there 
shall be no more sighs and groans and tears. 
(4) The approach of death should not terrify 
him, because he dies in the arms of Jesus and 
in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. For him 
who thus lets his thoughts dwell on heaven, and 
who pictures to his mind the crown, the white 
robe, and the glory of heaven, the death-bed be- 
comes a veritable Paradise. 

PRAYER. 

O gracious God, how great is Thy love and 
mercy toward us! Not only dost Thou do good 
to us, and help us, and hear us, and have mercy 
upon us, and overwhelm us with benefits while 
we live; but Thou keepest in store for us many 
and glorious gifts in heaven. And O how great 
and magnificent are those heavenly gifts! By 
faith I see Thy majesty and glory, and the splen- 
dor in which Thou dwellest; and behold the 
seraphim and all the angels, and the elect — 
composed of all the believing who have ever 
lived on earth — standing around Thy throne, 
lauding and praising Thee, and saying, "Holy, 
Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth." By faith I 
see myself standing in their midst after I have 
calmly and peacefully departed from this world. 
I shall wear a glorious crown upon my head, be 
clothed with white robes, and shine like the sun, 



The Heavenly Home. 489 

O the glory, the happiness, the bliss which the 
Father of all mercy and grace shall bestow upon 
me for Christ's sake! And because death will 
open to me the door to this glory, I am not terri- 
fied by it. If an earthly king can adorn his pal- 
ace so beautifully that we are filled with wonder 
and admiration when we behold it, how great 
and glorious must be the splendor of the heav- 
enly King, and the magnificence of the infinite 
God! Therefore I will gladly die and take leave 
of earth. I look with joy to heaven; for my 
home is there. Here I have no continuing city. 
Yonder, Jesus has acquired a home for me by 
His sufferings and death; and by faith I shall 
go to my Saviour. 

When I think of heaven, I remember that it is 
my fatherland, where all pious Christians, all 
believers are assembled. As long as I am on 
earth, I am a pilgrim and a stranger, always 
journeying on; but when I shall have passed 
through a happy death to heaven, I shall have 
rest, and peace, and eternal happiness. I look 
up joyfully to heaven, and exclaim : There is my 
inheritance ! If my inheritance here upon earth 
has been great, there is one still greater laid up 
for me in heaven, — an inheritance incorrup- 
tible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. 
Heaven is the paradise in which God will de- 
light the believers; and compared with it the 



490 For the Use of the Dying. 

paradise which was once upon earth was but a 
shadow. O God, when I am permitted to behold 
Thy glory in heaven, I shall exclaim to Thee in 
the words once spoken by the Queen of Sheba 
to Solomon : O my God, O my Jesus, the half 
of Thy glory was not told me in my earthly life ; 
Thy glory and prosperity exceedeth the fame 
which I heard. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Jerusalem, the golden, 

With milk and honey blest! 
Beneath thy contemplation 

Sink heart and voice opprest: 
I know not, O I knoAV not, 

What social joys are there! 
What radiancy of glory, 

W T hat light beyond compare! 

And when I fain would sing them 

My spirit fails and faints, 
And vainly would it image 

Th' assembly of the saints. 
They stand, those halls of Zion, 

Con jubilant with song, 
And bright with many an angel 

And all the martyr throng: 

There is the throne of David; 

And there from care released, 
The song of them that triumph, 

The song of them that feast ; 



7, 6. D. 



The Promises of God. 491 

And they who, with their leader, 

Have conquered in the fight, 
For ever and for ever 

Are clad in robes of light. 

— Bernard de Morlaix, about 1 150. 
John Mason Neale, Tr. 1851. 



THE DYING PERSON MEDITATES UPON 
THE PROMISES OP GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

Matt. 25: 34. Come, ye blessed of my Father; in- 
herit the kingdom prepared for you from the founda- 
tion of the world. 

THE dying need comfort and refreshing in 
soul, as well as in body. But what can 
refresh the soul? Not silver and gold, 
not honor and earthly splendor; but the Word 
of God, of which the prophet says, "Thy Word 
is the rejoicing of my heart." For this reason 
we should, in days of health, gather for our- 
selves a treasure of comforting Scripture verses, 
and impress them on our heart, in order that, 
in the hour of death, we may have an ample sup- 
ply of them. Especially should a dying person 
(1) call to mind, or have others repeat to him, 
the divine promises which we find in the Holy 
Scriptures concerning God's help, assistance, 
presence, and grace. (2) He should appropriate 



492 For the Use of the Dying. 

and apply to himself such comforting passages 
and promises, as if God spoke them directly to 
him, and gave the promises to him personally. 
For in the Holy Scripture God speaks to all, 
and to each one in particular. When the patient 
has these promises before him, (2) he should de- 
pend upon them, and not doubt but that God 
will fulfil them in him. If God does not do this 
in a moment, or in an hour, but delays the fulfil- 
ment, He will nevertheless gloriously fulfil them 
in His own time. 

PRAYER. 

O gracious God, how sweet are the promises 
which Thou hast given to me in Thy Word! 
Thou sayest: "I will be with him in trouble; 
I will deliver him ;" and again : "Fear Thou not, 
for I am with thee; be not dismayed for I am 
Thy God." Jesus says : "Where I am, there shall 
also my servant be. In my Father's house are 
many mansions ; I go to prepare a place for you. 
I will come again, and receive you unto myself, 
that where I am, there ye may be also." Yea, I 
am assured by Thy Word that Jesus prays for 
me, and is my Intercessor; and that the Holy 
Spirit maketh intercession for me with groan- 
ings which cannot be uttered. 

O gracious God, fulfil now in me all these 
promises. My need becomes greater and greater ; 
I beseech Thee, be and remain with me in my 



The Promises of God. 493 

last agony. O forsake rue not now; stand by 
me, O Jesus, and let me attain to the glory and 
inhabit the place which Thou hast prepared 
for me. O Jesus, be now my Intercessor. Plead 
for me poor sinner, that I may obtain grace and 
mercy. O blessed Holy Spirit, stand by me in 
my weakness, and give me grace and strength. 
If a hard conflict awaits me, help me to over- 
come and gain the victory. If I have a high 
mountain to climb, give me the needful strength. 
If a painful hour awaits me, help me through it. 
When my mouth can no longer pray, do Thou 
make intercession for me with groanings which 
cannot be uttered, and bring my weak sighs be- 
fore God. 

And now, O gracious God, I cling to Thy prom- 
ises, and believe that Thou wilt fulfil them in 
me, poor wretched one. I believe Thy Word, I 
trust in Thy Word, I plead Thy Word. When 
Thou saidst, Seek ye my face, my heart said unto 
Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. O, Thy Word 
has always been to me the joy and rejoicing of 
my heart. I entreat Thee, let it now in the 
hour of my death comfort and refresh me. If 
the time comes when for peace I have great bit- 
terness, do Thou in love to my soul deliver it 
from the pit of corruption. Quicken me when 
the sweat of death bedews my brow, cheer me 
when my lips turn pale, comfort me when sight 



494 For the Use of the Dying. 

and hearing fail. O Triune God, make me in 
that hour to hear joy and gladness; grant me a 
voice of jubilation and rejoicing in my heart, as 
a herald and foretaste of the heavenly glory. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 



Hear what God the Lord hath spoken : 

O my people, faint and few, 
Comfortless, afflicted, broken, 

Fair abodes I build for you. 
Thorns of heartfelt tribulation 

Shall no more perplex your ways : 
You shall name your walls salvation, 

And your gates shall all be praise. 

There, like streams that feed the garden, 

Pleasures without end shall flow; 
For the Lord, your faith rewarding, 

All His bounty shall bestow. 
Still, in undisturbed possession, 

Peace and righteousness shall reign : 
Never shall you feel oppression, 

Hear the voice of war again. 

Ye no more your suns descending, 

Waning moons no more shall see ; 
But, your griefs for ever ending, 

Find eternal noon in Me. 
God shall rise, and shining o'er you 

Change to day the gloom of night : 
He, the Lord, shall be your Glory, 

God your everlasting Light. 

— William Cowper, iyjg. 



8, 7. D. 



Joys and Fellowship of Heaven. 495 



THE DYING PERSON MEDITATES UPON 
THE JOY AND FELLOWSHIP OF 
HEAVEN. 

MEDITATION. 

Rev. 7: 9. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great 
multitude, which no man could number, of all na- 
tions, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood be- 
fore the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with 
white robes, and palms in their hands ; and cried with 
a loud voice, saying. Salvation to our God which sit- 
teth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 

WHAT sweeter and pleasanter vision 
could the dying person summon before 
his mind, than that of the joys and 
fellowship of heaven? The thought of these has 
often delighted the godly upon earth. For the 
dying person should (1) regard all that he pos- 
sesses on earth as something which he must soon 
take leave of and never see again. On the other 
hand (2) he should meditate upon heaven, and 
frequently think of its joys; and reflect that, 
after his departure from this world, he shall be 
transported to the delights and splendors of 
heaven, where all is light, peace, joy, gladness, 
and glory, and where, instead of suffering and 
pain, he shall have everlasting delights. He 
should also (3) meditate upon the heavenly fel- 
lowship, — how he shall soon look upon the 
countenance of the Triune God, and join the 



496 For the Use of the Dying. 

company of the angels and the elect. If he thus 
pictures to himself the fellowship and joys of 
heaven, his sufferings will be lightened, and his 
hour shortened ; and his soul will be moved with 
godly impulses. 

PRAYER. 

How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of 
hosts; my soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for 
the courts of the Lord. O when shall I come 
where I shall see Thy face, and stand before Thy 
throne in the company of all the angels and the 
elect? O what glory and bliss shall be mine, 
when I have been parted from my body and have 
fallen asleep in Christ. I shall be transported to 
the habitations of peace, crowned with glory and 
honor, and made partaker of the heavenly splen- 
dor. O what glory and joy wait for me! I 
shall see the Triune God face to face. What I 
here believed, I there shall see. What I could 
not understand here, I shall know and under- 
stand there. There I shall be irradiated and 
filled with heavenly light. What joy it will be 
to behold the great and glorious God in all His 
majesty! 

Therefore, O Lord, I pray with longing heart : 
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so 
panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul 
thirsteth for God, for the living God : when shall 
1 come and appear before God? The highest joy 



Joy and Fellowship of Heaven. 497 

is to see God, in whom we here believed but 
whom we have never seen. This vision of God 
will constitute the highest delight, the sweetest 
joy, the most perfect blessedness. My sorrow 
shall be turned into joy, my tears into smiles, 
my tribulation into gladness, my misery into de- 
light, my woe into happiness, and my heart-ache 
into perfect bliss. 

In heaven I shall also live in the midst of a 
joyful and blessed company. Here I am among 
men, and have been obliged to spend my life 
among both friends and foes. But in heaven I 
shall be in the company of the thousands of 
angels who, splendid and glorious, hover around 
God's throne, and sing, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord 
God of Sabaoth." There I shall meet all the 
godly and elect who have lived since the begin- 
ning of the world. There I shall meet my dear 
ones and friends who have died before me; and 
I shall dwell with them in sweetest fellowship 
forever. O how well it shall be with my soul 
then! Hope shall be changed to glad fruition; 
I shall be ever with the Lord; no sorrow shall 
ever touch me. And all this shall be not for an 
hour only or for a year, but without ceasing, for 
ever and ever. Amen. 



32 



498 For the Use of the Dying. 



HYMN. 

Jerusalem the glorious ! 

The glory of th' elect! 
O dear aud future yision 

That eager hearts expect : 
E'eu now by faith I see thee; 

E'en here thy walls discern; 
To thee uiy thoughts are kindled, 

And striye aud pant and yearn. 

Jerusalem the only, 

That look'st from heayen below! 
In thee is all niy glory; 

In me is all my woe! 
And though hit body may not, 

My spirit seeks thee fain, 
Till flesh and earth return me 

To earth and flesh again. 

O land that seest no sorrow! 

O state that f ear'st no strife ! 
O princely land of glory! 

O realm and home of life! 
Exult, O dust and ashes, 

The Lord shall be thy part : 
His, only His, foreyer. 

Thou shalt be, and thou art. 

— Bernard de Morlaix, about 1150. 
John Mason Xeale, Tr. 1851. a-. 



God's Help. 499 

THE DYING PERSON COMFORTS HIM- 
SELF WITH THE THOUGHT OF 
GOD'S HELP. 

MEDITATION. 

Song of Sol. 2 : 5, 6. Stay me with flagons, com- 
fort me with apples. His left hand is under my head, 
and his right hand doth embrace me. 

THE presence of God with us when we suf- 
fer cannot be other than sweet and com- 
forting to the soul. God is not only near 
to all His creatures, but He is in a special man- 
ner near to the believers in life and in death. 
Oh, if God should open the eyes of the godly, 
as He did those of Elisha's servant, what a holy 
company they would see around their bed ! How 
many angels they would behold there, already 
rejoicing because they are about to lead another 
soul to glory! This is why many pious persons, 
when about to die, have exclaimed, "O how light 
it is around my bed! Do you not see yonder 
bright light?" What they saw must assuredly 
have been angels. 

The believer should feel assured of the help 
of the Triune God. (1) Our heavenly Father 
will remember His Fatherly faithfulness, and 
support His child. (2) Jesus will not desert in 
their death-struggle those souls which He has 
purchased with His blood. (3) The Holy Spirit 



500 For the Use of the Dying. 

will comfort and refresh them. Though sight, 
hearing, and all the senses should fail, the dying 
one knows that the promise, "I will be with him 
in trouble," shall be fulfilled in him in the hour 
of his death. Blessed is he whom God permits 
to experience all this when he dies ! 

PRAYER. 

"Come, Lord Jesus," I now say with the spirit- 
ual Bride; "even so, come," and take my soul 
unto Thyself. I have had a foretaste of heaven, 
and I long and thirst for its fulness. I am not 
alarmed by the thought of death; for I die in 
the love of my heavenly Father. He who through 
all my life has sustained, nourished, led, and 
guided me, — should He now, when the end of 
my life approaches, forsake me? O no; His 
great love for me will not permit Him to do so. 
If an earthly father remains with his sick child, 
and helps him as much as he can, how much 
more certainly will my heavenly Father now 
grant me His almighty support! Yea, He will 
bestow upon me the inheritance which Jesus 
has acquired for me by His death. He will bid 
me inherit the kingdom prepared for me from 
the foundation of the world. 

I am not afraid of death; for I die united 
with Jesus Christ. I entered into fellowship 
with Him here by faith, and that fellowship shall 



God's Help. 501 

never cease. I am a living member of the body 
of Christ. He is the head. And just as the head 
knows how the members fare, so Jesus knows 
how matters stand with me. I am in Him, and 
He in me; and in this fellowship with Him I 
desire to die. He has said : "I am with you al- 
way even unto the end of the world;" and He 
will be with me in death. Just as He loved His 
own even unto the end, and gave Himself into 
death for them ; so He loves His own when they 
are about to die. Since I am safe in Jesus' arms, 
death is not terrible to me. I have with me Him 
who has robbed death of its sting. Here already 
Jesus has clothed me with the garments of salva- 
tion, and covered me with the robe of His right- 
eousness; there He will put upon me the white 
robe of honor and glory. The Bridegroom of my 
soul will lead me to the wedding ; the Friend of 
my soul will make me partaker of His glory. My 
Lord will fulfil in me His promise: "Where I 
am, there shall also my servant be." 

Death has no terrors for me; for I die in the 
fellowship of the Holy Spirit. He has conse- 
crated my heart as His temple in this life : and 
He will remain united with me in death. He 
who has so often comforted me in my sadness, 
cheered me in suffering, refreshed me in trouble, 
and sustained me under the cross, will not for- 
sake me in my last hour, but will bear witness 



502 For the Use of the Dying. 

with my spirit that I am certainly God's child. 
Though my speech should fail me and deprive me 
of the power to pray, He will make intercession 
for me with, groanings which cannot be uttered. 
Yea, since He is the earnest of our inheritance, 
He already assures me, that I am an heir of 
heaven and shall enter upon its full possession. 
The Father holds out the crown to me; Jesus 
takes me by the hand and leads me to eternal 
happiness; the Holy Spirit adorns me with 
light and gladness. The holy angels rejoice over 
my entrance into the heavenly life of joy: All 
the elect and saints of God extend a joyous wel- 
come. Amen. 



L. M. 6 lines. 



HYMN. 

(O hore Gott, in meiner Not.) 

O Lord my God, I cry to Thee! 

In my distress Thou helpest me. 

To Thee myself I all commend : 

O swiftly now Thine angel send 

To guide me home, and cheer my heart, 

Since Thou dost call me to depart. 

O Jesus Christ, Thou Lamb of God, 
Once slain to take away our load ; 
Now let Thy cross, Thine agony, 
Avail to save and solace me; 
Thy death to open heaven, and there 
Bid me the joy of angels share. 



Trusting in Jesus. 503 

O Holy Spirit, at the end, 
Sweet Comforter, be Thou my Friend; 
When death and hell assail me sore, 
Leave me, O leave me nevermore, 
But bear me safely through the strife, 
As Thou hast promised, into life. 

-Nicholas Selnecker, 1587. 
Miss Winkworth, Tr. 1858. 



THE DYING PERSON DESIRES TO DIE 
TRUSTING IN JESUS. 

MEDITATION. 

Acts 7 : 58. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 

DYING persons often complain that they 
have to contend against all kinds of 
wrong thoughts, of which they cannot 
rid themselves. In order to banish them, the be- 
liever will do well (1) to bring before his mind in 
faith and holy contemplation the picture of Je- 
sus on the cross, and to reflect thus : "Jesus' 
wounds were endured for me; they shall be my 
only refuge in death. Jesus' blood Avas shed for 
me; His blood cleanses and justifies me. Jesus' 
outstretched arms are ready to embrace me, and 
to draw me into heaven. He died upon the 
cross, in order that my death might be sweet- 
ened, and that / through death might enter upon 



504 For the Use of the Dying. 

eternal life." These and- similar reflections will 
drive away the earthly thoughts, quiet the mind, 
and cheer the heart. 

In this contemplation the believer (2) should 
place all his confidence in the Saviour of the 
world. He should appropriate the merit and 
righteousness of Christ, that he may come be- 
fore God, and say : O, for the sake of the right- 
eousness, blood, death, and merit of my Jesus, 
be merciful to me. In Him I live and die, and 
through Him I hope to enter upon the joys of 
heaven. 

PRAYER. 

O Jesus, dearest Saviour! I must leave this 
world: the harbingers of death continually in- 
crease in number, and announce in unmistakable 
accents that the end of my life is at hand ! There- 
fore I turn to Thee alone, and say, Lord Jesus, 
receive my spirit. O my Eedeemer! Thou hast 
redeemed me from sin and from the power of 
the devil with Thy precious blood, and with Thy 
innocent sufferings and death. O let that blood 
now avail for me, that, justified by it, I may be 
able to stand before Thy judgment-seat. If Sa- 
tan would accuse me, I will show him Thy bleed- 
ing wounds; if my sins would condemn me, I 
will grasp the ransom for my sins, Thy precious 
blood. In the agony of death I will cling to Thy 
all-sufficient merit. Thou art my Saviour: O 



Trusting in Jesus. 505 

save me, forgive my sins, bestow upon me Thy 
perfect righteousness, bring me to life eternal. 

Thou, O Christ, art the life ; therefore I shall 
not die though I cease to breathe; for I live in 
Thee, and Thou in me. And my life in Thee 
shall now become perfect: I shall live in Thy 
presence eternally, and neither things present 
nor things to come shall be able to separate me 
from Thee. Thou art the way; O lead me 
through the dark valley of death to eternal life. 
Thou art the truth, and hast hitherto fulfilled 
all Thy gracious promises to me; fulfil those 
also in which Thou sayest: "Where I am, there 
shall also my servant be;" and again, "And I, 
if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me." 
Take me now unto Thyself where Thou art. 
Lord, let Thy servant depart in peace, according 
to Thy word. Draw me unto Thee, to the full 
enjoyment of Thy heavenly blessings. 

Lord, I call to mind how Thou didst die for 
me on the cross, how Thou didst shed Thy pre- 
cious blood, how Thou didst give Thy life for me. 
O wash and cleanse me from all my sins with 
Thy precious blood. For the sake of Thy holy 
wounds let me obtain grace and mercy. Thou 
art the Lamb of God, who didst permit Thyself 
to be crucified for me. Through Thy blood I am 
reconciled to God. Thou art my Highpriest, 
who intercedest for me. Thou art the Mighty 



506 For the Use of the Dying. 

One, who helpest me; the Prince of Peace, who 
receivest me into the habitations of peace. 

Jesus, I come to Thee ; I take hold on Thee ; 
I cling to Thee. I say: "I will leave my Jesus 
never ! On the cross for me He died ; Love shall 
draw me to Him ever. At His feet I will abide. 
Of my life the light forever, I will leave my Je- 
sus never." Yea, I will think of Jesus only. He 
shall be the Light and Salvation of my soul, the 
Strength of my Life, my Sun and Joy, my Desire 
and Aspiration, the object of my thinking and 
planning, and my All in All. Away, vain 
thoughts! I will delight myself in the con- 
templation of Christ's merit and atonement. I 
will call to mind His holy wounds; I will com- 
fort myself with the remembrance of His bit- 
ter sufferings for me. My last word shall be 
"Jesus," and my last thought shall be "Jesus, 
Jesus." Amen. 

HYMN. 

L. M. 6 lines. 
(Herr Jesu Christ, wahr Mensch und Gott.) 

Lord Jesus Christ, true man and God, 
Who borest anguish, scorn, the rod, 
And diedst at last upon the tree 
To bring Thy Father's grace to me : 

1 pray Thee, through that bitter woe, 
Let me, a sinner, mercy know. 



Trusting in Jesus. 507 

When comes the hour of failing breath, 
And I must wrestle, Lord, with death, 
When from my sight all fades away, 
And when my tongue no more can say, 
And when mine ears no more can hear, 
And when my heart is racked with fear ; 

When all my mind is darkened o'er, 
And human help can do no more: 
Then come, Lord Jesus, come with speed, 
And help me in my hour of need ; 
Lead me from this dark vale beneath, 
And shorten then the pangs of death. 

Joyful my resurrection be; 

Thou in the Judgment plead for me, 

And hide my sins, Lord from Thy face, 

And give me life, of Thy dear grace. 

I trust Thee utterly, my Lord, 

For Thou hast promised in Thy Word. 

Dear Lord, forgive us all our guilt; 
Help us to wait until Thou wilt 
That we depart; and let our faith 
Be brave, and conquer e'en in death : 
Firm resting on Thy sacred Word, 
Until we sleep in Thee, our Lord. 

— Paul Eber, 7557. 

Miss Winkworth. Tr. 1855. 



508 For the Use of the Dying. 

THE DYING PEESON PEAYS FOE A 
HAPPY END. 

MEDITATION. 

I Kings 19 : 4. It is enough ; now, O Lord, take 
away my life: for I am not better than my fathers. 

WHEN in Old Testament times any per- 
son brought an offering to God, it had 
to be, not a compulsory, but a volun- 
tary offering. So it is also with our dying. A 
man should not die unwillingly and from sheer 
compulsion, murmuring, and rebellious, but 
should (1) acquaint himself in his days of health 
with the glory which is prepared for us yonder, 
— the crown, the white robe, and the joy which 
shall be ours after death. (2) He should ac- 
quaint himself also with the way which leads to 
that glory; namely, with Christ Jesus, so that 
he may persevere in faith and a holy life until 
death. 

Then when the hour which God has appointed 
for his departure approaches, he should joy- 
fully lift up his eyes to heaven, and pray God for 
a happy end. Such an end will be ours, if we 
commit our body and soul to the Triune God, 
keep Jesus Christ always before us, pray fer- 
vently, and thus wait for our final hour. At the 
same time we may pray God to grant us a quiet, 
gentle, rational, and blessed end. If the dying 



A Happy End. 509 

person occasionally does or says some irrational 
things, these will be more noticeable to those 
who surround him than to the dying person him- 
self, who all the while remains in the sweet fel- 
lowship of Jesus. 

PRAYER. 

Merciful and gracious God! I perceive that 
the time of my departure has come, and the 
hour is at hand when I shall depart in peace, 
and lay me down to rest. My eyes fail, my 
strength is gone, and soon, it seems, I shall pass 
away. Therefore I come to Thee, and utter a 
last prayer : I commend my body and soul to 
Thee O Lord; grant me a blessed end for Jesus 
Christ's sake. Lord God, heavenly Father, who 
hast created me, preserved me, and sustained me 
till now, graciously receive my soul. O Jesus, 
who hast redeemed and washed me with Thy 
blood, let me now in true faith, trusting in Thy 
merit and atonement, die blessed. O Lord Jesus, 
into Thy hands I commend my spirit. O blessed 
Holy Spirit, my Comforter and Stay, forsake me 
not, but give me peace and the comforting as- 
surance that I am an heir of everlasting life. 
Pray in me and with me ; make intercession for 
me with groanings which cannot be uttered. 

Behold, I am ready to leave the earth, and long 
only for Thee, and to be with Thee, O Triune 



510 For the Use of the Dying, 

God. As Israel had its year of jubilee, when 
every slave received back his freedom and his 
inheritance; so, O God, when I die, my year of 
Jubilee begins, and I shall be freed from the 
service of sin and from every cross, and attain 
to the perfect freedom of the children of God in 
eternal life. my Jesus, open for me the door 
of heaven ; guide and lead me to life eternal, to 
the assembly of the saints in light. 

my God, give me a rational end; let me 
remain in the possession of my senses till the 
last moment of my life. Keep me occupied with 
good and holy thoughts, that I may always keep 
Christ before me. And if my eyes should fail me 
soon, refresh me in my soul with Thy heavenly 
comfort and light. Let Jesus ever be present to 
my soul. Let me rejoice in His blood that was 
shed for me, seek shelter in His opened side, com- 
fort myself with His merit, and grasp His right- 
eousness in true faith. 

If it be Thy will, grant me a quiet death. Pre- 
serve me from irrational conduct, temptations, 
and distracting thoughts. Let my heart, which 
has been Thy dwelling here, gently cease to beat. 
Let me die peacefully in Thy arms. Give me a 
blessed end, and let me soon behold Thy holy 
face with joy. O Triune God, bless my depart- 
ure from this mortal state, and my entrance 
upon the joyful eternity. The Lord bless me 



A Happy End. 511 

and keep me; the Lord make His face shine 
upon me and be gracious unto me; the Lord lift 
up His countenance upon me, and give me peace. 
In the name of the Triune God, the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Ghost, I live and I die. In 
His name I close my eyes ; to Him and His grace 
I commend my soul. Amen. 



HYMN. 

(Mein Gott, in deine Hande.) 

My God, to Thee I now commend 
My soul; for Thou, O Lord, 

Dost live and love me without end, 
And wilt perform Thy word. 

To whom else should I make my plea, 
That heavenly life be mine? 

All souls, my God, belong to Thee; 
My soul is also Thine. 

Thou gav'st my spirit at my birth; 

Take back what Thou hast given; 
And with the Lord I served on earth 

Grant me to live in heaven. 

My soul is sprinkled with the blood 

Thy Son hath shed for us, 
And in Thy sight is pure and good, 

Adorned and radiant thus. 

Thou my deliverer wast of yore ; 
From sin Thou mad'st me free : 



C. M. 



512 For the Use of the Dying. 

Now faithful God K do Thou once more 
In death deliver me. 

Thou liv'st and lovest without end, 
Thou dost perform Thy word: 

My parting soul I now commend 
To Thee, my God and Lord. 

— Philip Frederic Hiller ; 1765. 
Miss IVinkworth, Tr. 1855. 



PRAYER OP THE BYSTANDERS FOR THE 
DYING ONE. 

OHOLY Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost: Thou that hearest prayer, unto 
Thee shall all flesh come! Behold we 
also come to Thee now, and plead for him who 
is dying. 

Lord God, the Father in heaven, havy mercy 
upon him. Behold, Thy child is sick; behold, 
Thy child is dying! O let him now receive the 
child's portion, the inheritance in heaven, the 
salvation of his soul. Forgive him all the sins 
which he has committed against Thee all the 
days of his life, and look upon him with favor. 
Lord God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have 
mercy upon this dying one. Thou hast redeemed 
him with Thy precious blood, Thou hast died for 
him; O, therefore, impute not to him his sins, 
but impute to him Thy righteousness and merit, 



Prayer of By-Standers. 513 

wash him with Thy precious blood, clothe him 
with Thy righteousness, and let him now appear 
before the throne of God as one who is cleansed 
by Thy blood. Lord God the Holy Ghost, have 
mercy upon this dying one. Keep him in the 
faith, bear witness with his spirit that he is a 
child of God, and make intercession for him with 
groanings which cannot be uttered. Sanctify 
him, strengthen him, lead him to life eternal. 

O Holy Trinity, receive this dying one with 
favor. Eemember not the sins of his youth nor 
his transgressions; according to Thy mercy re- 
member Thou him for Thy goodness sake, O 
Lord. Eeceive his spirit into Thy hands, and 
let it partake of eternal joy. Grant a happy and 
glorious resurrection on the last day to the body 
which is now dying. Give it meanwhile a soft 
repose in the cool earth till, in that general 
resurrection, soul and body shall be re-united, 
and shall enter upon the blessedness of heaven. 

And now, O Lord, Lord, while his distress and 
agony grow greater and greater, let him not for- 
get to remember the crucified Jesus. When his 
eyes fail, let a bright light arise in his soul. Yea, 
O Jesus, Thou true Morning Star, light him 
unto eternal life. When he is no longer able 
to see us, grant that he may constantly see Thee, 
O Triune God, by faith, till he shall see Thee 

33 



514 For the Use of the Dying. 

face to face. When his lips now close, and he is 
no longer able to pray, do Thou, Jesus, pray 
for him. Be his Intercessor with Thy heavenly 
Father. Help him to contend and overcome. 
Let the sighs of his heart be acceptable to Thee. 
When the death-sweat breaks out upon him, O 
strengthen him, and be Thou his Stay. O Tri- 
une God, be with him, and keep him in the faith 
till he has happily and joyfully finished his 
course. 

Lord God the Father, what Thou hast created ; 
Lord God the Son, what Thou hast redeemed; 
Lord God the Holy Ghost, what Thou hast sanc- 
tified, — this we commit into Thy hands. To 
Thy name be praise, honor, and glory now and 
for evermore. Amen. 



SENTENCES, SCRIPTURE-PASSAGES, AND PRAYERS 
WITH WHICH THE BY-STANDERS MAY COM- 
FORT THE DYING ONE. 

Isa. 49 : 14-16. Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken 
me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman 
forget her sucking child, that she should not have 
compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may 
forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have 
graven thee upon the palms of my hands. 

God's grace will to the end 
Stronger and brighter shine; 

Nor present things, nor things to come, 
Shall quench the spark divine. 



Consolations and Prayers. 515 

Blest is the man, O God, 

That stays himself on Thee! 
Who waits for Thy salvation, Lord, 

Shall Thy salvation see. 

O kind and merciful God, help me in my suf- 
ferings and in my hour of death. O my God! 
Thou hast ever been my gracious God and my 
Stay. I beseech Thee, be with me now. O Jesus, 
abide with me ; for it is toward evening, and the 
day of my life is far spent. O blessed Holy 
Spirit, strengthen me, and keep me steadfast in 
the faith to my end. Enlighten me to life eter- 
nal. I desire to die trusting in the blood and 
wounds of Jesus. For Him I live, for Him I 
die. In His merit I put my trust. 



Psalm 42: 1, 2. As the heart panteth after the 
water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. 
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when 
shall I come and appear before God? 

There still my thoughts are dwelling, 

'Tis there I long to be ; 
Come, Lord, and call Thy servant 

To blessedness with Thee! 
Come, bid my toils be ended, 

Let all my wanderings cease; 
Call from the wayside lodging 

To the sweet home of peace! 



516 For the Use of the Dying, 

O Jesus, Thou Light of my soul, when my 
eyes become darkened, let the heavenly glory 
arise in my soul. Forsake me not when my sight 
fails me, but show me Thy bleeding image upon 
the cross, Though I walk through the valley of 
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for 
Thou, Jesus, art with me. O my Jesus, remain 
with me, strengthen me in the faith, and let me 
be Thine own here in time and there in eternity. 



Psalm 40: 17. I am poor and needy; yet the Lord 
thinketh upon me : Thou art my Help and my Deliv- 
erer ; make no tarrying, O my God. 

Jesus my Truth, my Way, 

My sure unerring light, 
On Thee my feeble soul I stay, 

Which Thou wilt lead aright. 

My soul to Thee alone 

Now therefore I commend : 
Thou, Jesus, having loved Thine own, 

Wilt love me to the end. 

Yes, my Jesus, I trust in Thee, from my in- 
most soul. O come and release me. Give to my 
body its repose and fake my soul to Thine eter- 
nal joys in heaven. O Jesus, hear my feeble sigh- 
ing. Be my Stay in trouble. O my Saviour and 
Deliverer, deliver me, release me, save me. Let 



Consolations and Prayers. 517 

Satan have no power over me. Open to me now 
the door to heaven and eternal life. O come 
quickly, redeem me, refresh me, bless me, have 
mercy on me. 



Isa. 41 : 10. Fear thou not ; for I am with thee : 
be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen 
thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee 
with the right hand of my righteousness. 

O Jesus Christ, Thou Lamb of God, 
Once slain to take away our load ; 
Now let Thy cross, Thine agony, 
Avail to save and solace me; 
Thy death to open heaven, and there 
Bid me the joy of angels share. 

O Jesus, my only Intercessor with Thy heav- 
enly Father, who sittest at the right hand of 
God and pleadest for us! O pray for me poor 
sinner now in the hour of my death. I fear not ; 
for Thou art with me. O blessed Holy Spirit, 
Thou Comforter in trouble, be with me with Thy 
consolation to my end. I have powerful help; 
for my Father is with me, and His angels sur- 
round me. I will die in peace. 



518 For the Use of the Dying. 

Psalm 73: 23, 24. Nevertheless I am continually 
with Thee : Thou hast hoi den me by my right hand. 
Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward 
receive me to glory. 

If Thou, ray Jesus, still be nigh, 
Cheerful I live, and joyful die: 
Secure, when mortal comforts flee, 
To find ten thousand worlds in Thee. 

By Thine agony and bloody sweat, help me, O 
Lord God. I will not leave Thee ; O abide Thou 
with me. O Jesus, when my death struggle be- 
gins, help me to wrestle and overcome. When 
the troubles of my heart are enlarged, O bring 
Thou me out of my distresses. I am Thine own ; 
therefore lead me through all my troubles to 
joy and happiness and glory. If Thou art with 
me, I am not afraid: I shall die happy, and 
enter upon eternal joy. 



Matt. 25: 23. Well done, thou good and faithful 
servant ; thou hast been faithful over a few things, 
I will make thee ruler over many things : enter thou 
into the joy of thy Lord. 

O that hope, how bright, how glorious, 
'Tis His people's blest reward; 

In the Saviour's strength victorious, 
They at length behold their Lord : 

In His kingdom they shall rest 

In His love be fully blest, 



Consolations and Prayers. 519 

O Jesus, by Thy power and the grace of Thy 
Holy Spirit I will be faithful unto death. I 
will not forsake Thee, Thou Friend of my soul. 
I will not desert Thee, my Shepherd. I cling to 
Thee, my Bridegroom. Thou alone art my de- 
light. O dearest Friend, lead me out of sorrow 
to joy, out of wretchedness to bliss. 



Job 19 : 25-27. I know that my Redeemer liveth, 
and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the 
earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this 
body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall 
see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not 
another. 

I know that my Redeemer lives! 
What comfort this sweet sentence gives ! 
He lives, He lives, who once was dead, 
He lives, my ever-living Head. 

He lives, all glory to His name! 
He lives, my Jesus, still the same ; 

the sweet joy this sentence gives, 

1 know that my Redeemer lives. 

I commend myself, O Triune God, to Thy pro- 
tection and grace. I commit my dearly-bought 
soul to Thy care. I die, but I shall rise again. 
I die, but I shall live again forever in heaven. 
O Triune God, bring me to my rest, to glory; 
shorten my pains, sweeten my final hour, com- 



520 For the Use of the Dying. 

fort me- -with the inward consolations of Thy 
Holy Spirit, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from 
me. I live and I die trusting in the merit of 
Jesus. Let me soon behold Thy countenance 
amid the eternal joys of heaven. 



Psalm 17 : 15. As for me, I will behold Thy face 
in righteousness : I shall be satisfied, when I awake, 
with Thy likeness. 

There is the throne of David ; 

And there, from care released, 
The song of them that triumph, 

The shout of them that feast; 
And they who, with their leader, 

Have conquered in the fight, 
For ever and for ever 

Are clad in robes of light. 

O my Jesus, my soul is glad when I think of 
Thy glory and of the bliss which Thou hast pre- 
pared for me. I leave the world willingly, be- 
cause I am going to my Jesus, the Bridegroom 
of my soul. O how happy and blissful I shall be, 
when Jesus leads my soul as His bride to the 
marriage, puts upon me the white robe, places 
the crown upon my head, and after all the afflic- 
tions, pains, and sorrows of earth, grants me 
eternal joy and peace. ' 



Consolations and Prayers. 521 

Heb. 4: 9. There remaineth therefore a rest to the 
people of God. 

O land that seest no sorrow! 

O state that fear'st no strife ! 
O princely land of glory! 

O realm and home of life! 
Exult, O dust and ashes, 

The Lord shall be thy part : 
His, only His forever, 

Thou shalt be, and thou art. 

I know that when I die, I shall leave sorrow 
behind me, and come into the presence of God. 
I shall pass from burdens to pleasure, from 
anxiety to peace, from vanity to bliss, from toil 
to rest, from afflictions to joy. Therefore my 
soul rejoices. O my God, here am I; take my 
soul, glorify it, receive it into heaven. My Je- 
sus, I am Thine, and Thou art mine; in life and 
in death we shall remain inseparable. 



II Cor. 5: 1. For we know that if our earthly 
house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a 
building of God, an house not made with hands, eter- 
nal in the heavens. 

There glory yet unheard of 

Shall shed abroad its ray, 
Resolving all enigmas, 

An endless Sabbath day. 



522 For the Use of the Dying. 

There God, our King, and Portion, 

In fulness of His grace, 
Shall we behold forever, 

And worship face to face. 

We know, by faith, we know 

If this vile house of clay, 
This tabernacle, sink below 

In ruinous decay; 

We have a house above 

Not made with mortal hands; 

And firm as our Redeemer's love 
That heavenly fabric stands. 

O dear Lord Jesus, seal in my heart the 
blessed assurance that, when this earthly taber- 
nacle of mine is dissolved and I die on this bed, 
I shall enter the house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens. What a glorious man- 
sion, what an abode of bliss Thou hast prepared 
for me! There there is no anxiety, distress, or 
sorrow, but all is joy, peace, glory, and happi- 
ness. O that we were already there! Forsake 
me not; I will never forsake Thee. To Thee 
I cling, in Thy grace I trust, in Thy wounds I 
hide, in reliance on Thy death I die, by Thy 
blood I am justified and saved. 



Consolations and Prayers. 523 

Isa. 35: 10. And the ransomed of the Lord shall 
return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting 
joy upon their heads : they shall obtain joy and glad- 
ness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 

Brief life is here our portion : 

Brief sorrow, short-lived care; 
The life that knows no ending, 

The tearless life is there. 
O happy retribution! 

Short toil, eternal rest, 
For mortals and for sinners 

A mansion with the blest! 

Eemember, O Jesus, that I am redeemed with 
Thy precious blood. O let me enter soon into 
Thy heavenly Zion. I have eaten long enough 
the bread of sorrow; O let me soon eat the 
bread of heaven, the food of angels. Sorrow and 
sighing have here been my daily companions; 
let me now hear joy and gladness. Let my soul 
have a vision of Thy glory; gladden me after 
my sufferings, refresh my soul in and through 
Thee eternally. 



II Tim. 4 : 7, 8. I have fought a good fight, I have 
finished my course, I have kept the faith : henceforth 
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, 
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me 
at that day : and not to me only, but to all them that 
love His appearing. 

When comes the hour of failing breath, 
And I must wrestle, Lord, with death, 



524 For the Use of the Dying. 

When from my sight all fades away, 
And when my tongue no more can say, 
And when mine ears no more can hear, 
And when my heart is racked with fear ; 

When all my mind is darkened o'er, 
And human help can do no more; 
Then come, Lord Jesus, come with speed, 
And help me in my hour of need ; 
Lead me from this dark vale beneath, 
And shorten then the pangs of death. 

O Jesus, help me to overcome when the final 
struggle begins. Stand by me, and give me the 
victory. When I am powerless, O my Helper, 
help me in my distress and weakness. Let Thy 
grace strengthen me, Thy blood refresh me, Thy 
hand preserve me, Thy holy merit cover my sins. 
Hold me poor wretched one in Thine arms; 
and, when I am faint, refresh me. After the 
fight the crown, after the battle the victory! O 
how gloriously I shall be adorned and crowned 
by Thee after my death. Show me the crown 
which Thou hast laid up for me, and gladden my 
soul with Thy gracious presence. 



Rev. 2 : 10 ; 3 : 5. Be thou faithful unto death, and 
I will give thee a crown of life. He that overcometh, 
the same shall be clothed with white raiment. 

These through fiery trials trod ; 
These from great afflictions came; 



Consolations and Prayers. 525 

Now, before the throne of God, 
Sealed with His almighty Name, 

Clad in raiment pure and white, 
Victor-palms in every hand, 

Through their great Redeemer's might, 
More than conquerors they stand. 

Jesus I will love Thee ever. I have loved Thee 
in life, I will love Thee in death. O Jesus, for 
the sake of Thy holy wounds keep me in Thy 
love. I would be faithful to Thee unto death, 
and die faithful to Thee. Jesus in my heart! 
Jesus in my mind! and in His name I fall 
asleep ! 



Rom. 8: 38, 39. For I am persuaded, that neither 
death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor pow- 
ers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, 
nor depth, nor. any other creature, shall be able to 
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ 
Jesus our Lord. 

I will leave my Jesus never! 

On the cross for me He died ; 
Love shall draw me to Him ever, 

At His feet I will abide. 
Of my life the light forever, 
I will leave my Jesus never. 

Yes, this is my resolve: I will never leave 
Thee, my Jesus. I will abide in faith, and cling 
to Thee. Death shall sever soul and body, but it 



526 For the Use of the Dying. 

shall not sever my soul from Thee. Jesus is 
mine, and I am His. I lay me in His arms, and 
in them I live and die blessed. how blessed I 
am! 



James 1 : 12. Blessed is the man that endureth 
temptation : for when he is tried, he shall receive the 
crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them 
that love Him. 

To the mansions of Thy love, 

To the spirits of the just, 
To the angel host above, 

To Thyself, my only trust, — 
Thou in whom I now believe, 
Jesus, Lord, my soul receive. 

O yes, Lord Jesus, come to me; O come 
quickly without delay, and take me home in 
peace. Give me patience and strength. I yield 
myself wholly to Thee, my body and my soul; 
keep me in the faith, and grant me a happy end. 
O Jesus, help me, by Thy great mercy and grace, 
to attain to eternal life and joy. Lord, Thou 
has been our dwelling-place in all generations ; 
be my Kefuge and my Salvation now, my God, 
my Consolation, my Deliverer, my Saviour. Ee- 
ceive the soul which longs for Thee. how I 
Jong to see God's face, to dwell with the angels 
and saints in heaven, and to walk in heavenly 
brightness aud glory. 



Consolations and Prayers. 527 

Psalm 31 : 5. Into Thine hand I commit my spirit : 
Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. 

Jesus, Thou art my righteousness. 

For all my sins were Thine : 
Thy death hath bought of God my peace, 

Thy life hath made Him mine. 
For ever here my rest shall be, 

Close to Thy bleeding side; 
This all my hope and all my plea : 

For me the Saviour died. 

My only refuge in death, O Triune God, is in 
Thee: in the mercy of my heavenly Father, in 
the bleeding wounds of Jesus Christ, in the 
grace of the Holy Spirit. To Thee, O Triune 
God, I commit my body and soul. Eeceive the 
dove that flies to Thee for safety. Spread Thy 
protecting wings over me. And if Satan should 
seek to devour me, let Thine angels guard me 
and say: "This child shall remain unharmed." 



Heb. 12 : 22, 23. But ye are come unto mount Zion, 
and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly 
Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 
to the general assembly and church of the first-born, 
which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of 
all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. 

Jerusalem the golden, 

With milk and honey blest! 

Beneath Thy contemplation 
Sink heart and voice oppressed : 



528 For the Use of the Dying'. 

I know not, O I know not, 

What social joys are there! 
'Wliat radiancy of glory, 

What light beyond compare! 

And when I fain would sing them 

My spirit fails and faints, 
And vainly would it image 

Th' assembly of the saints. 
They stand, those halls of Zion, 

Conjubilant with song, 
And bright with many an angel, 

And all the martyr throng. 

My Jesus, how glorious will be the vision, 
when I behold Thee in Thy glory amid the 
throng of angels and saints in heaven! I re- 
joice when I think of it. I shall leave the earth, 
but I shall enter into glory; I shall leave my 
sorrows, but I shall enter into gladness ; I shall 
leave my fellow-men, but I shall enter into the 
company of the holy angels. 



Heb. 13 : 8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and 
to-day, and for ever. 

Eock of Ages, cleft for me, 
Let me hide myself in Thee! 
Let the water and the blood, 
From Thy riven side which flowed, 
Be of sin the perfect cure, 
Save me, Lord, and make me pure. 



Consolation* and Prayers. 529 

O Jesus, I seek refuge in Thee. Let Thy sweet 
name refresh my weary soul. Let the shelter of 
Thine all-atoning death be over me in death and 
before the judgment of God, that I may be justi- 
fied here and enjoy eternal life hereafter. 



John 10 : 27, 28. My sheep hear my voice, and I 
v know them, and they follow me : and I give unto them 
eternal life ; and they shall never perish, neither shall 
any man pluck them out of my hand. 

Thine for ever ! Saviour keep 
This Thy frail and trembling sheep; 
Safe alone beneath Thy care, 
Let me all Thy goodness share. 

Thine forever! Thou my Guide, 
All my wants by Thee supplied, 
All my sins by Thee forgiven, 
Lead me, Lord, from earth to heaven. 

O yes, Jesus my Shepherd, bring me, Thy poor 
sheep, to the blessedness of heaven. Let not Sa- 
tan pluck me out of Thy hand ; Thou art greater 
and mightier than Satan. Thine I am; Thine 
I would remain. Satan has no title or claim to 
me; but Thou hast; I am Thy possession, and 
would remain Thine forever. O take my soul, 
like a weary lamb, into Thine arms, and bear it 
to heaven. O how happy, how blessed to be with 
my Jesus! 

34 



530 For the Use of the Dying. 

Rev. 14:13. Blessed are the dead which die in the 
Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they 
may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow 
them. 

Hark a voice divides the sky: 

Happy are the faithful dead, 
In the Lord who sweetly die ; 

They from all their toils are freed. 

Them the Spirit hath declared 

Blest, unutterably blest; 
Jesus is their great Reward, 

Jesus is their endless Eest. 

Followed by their works they go 
Where their Head has gone before; 

Reconciled by grace below, 

Grace hath opened mercy's door. 

O Jesus, give to my soul the comforting as- 
surance that I die in Thee. O Jesus, Thou hast 
lived in me, and I in Thee; therefore I would 
now die in Thee, in Thy love, in Thy wounds, in 
Thy grace. Let my sorrow and sadness, my pain 
and suffering cease ; and lead me to eternal life, 
where I shall rest from my labors, my suffering, 
and pain. O Jesus, hear me; even so, come, 
Lord Jesus. 



Consolations and Prayers. 531 

II Tim. 4: 18. The Lord shall deliver me from 
every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heav- 
enly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

From this state of sin and pain, 
From this world of grief and strife, 

From this body's mortal chain, 
From this weak, imperfect life — 

Thou in whom I now believe, 

Jesus, Lord, my soul receive. 

O mighty God, remember me in mercy, and 
have compassion upon me. O give me a rational, 
quiet, and gentle end. The day of my death is 
my day of redemption, and the hour of my death 
is the hour when I enter into eternal joy. O 
grant me a rational mind to the very end, that I 
may joyfully hear the consolations which may 
be spoken to me; and grant, if it be Thy will, 
that I may give evidence to those who surround 
me that I abide in faith and hope. And thus, 
through a blessed death, deliver Thou me from 
all evil. 



Matt. 25 : 34. Come, ye blessed of my Father, in- 
herit the kingdom prepared for you from the founda- 
tion of the world. 

When ends life's transient dream, 
When death's cold sullen stream 
Shall o'er me roll, 



532 For the Use of the Dying, 

Blest Saviour, then, in love, 
Fear and distrust remove; 
O bear me safe above 
A ransomed soul. 

O my Jesus, when I part from my body, let me 
hear Thy welcome words : "Come thou blessed of 
my Father." And on the last day let my body 
and soul inherit an eternal kingdom. I cling to 
Thee by faith, confident that in and through 
Thee I shall obtain the blessing and inheritance. 



Isa. 61 : 10. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my 
soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed 
me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered 
me with the robe of righteousness. 

Jerusalem the glorious! 

The glory of the elect! 
O dear and future vision 

That eager hearts expect: 
E'en now by faith I see thee ; 

E'en here thy walls discern: 
To thee my thoughts are kindled 

And strive, and pant, and yearn. 

The hope of heaven, where I shall wear the 
white robe, sweetens all the bitterness of death. 
Death is not bitter to me; for Jesus is with me; 
He comforts and sustains me. O God, who hast 
clothed me with the robe of righteousness, clothe 



Consolations and Prayers. 533 

me also with the heavenly robe of joy. Thy 
righteousness is my righteousness; and I know, 
that, being justified by faith, I have peace with 
God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and that 
life and salvation are waiting for me yonder. O 
how gloriously appareled I shall stand before 
Thee! 



John 3: 16. God so loved the world, that He gave 
His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in 
Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

When sinners break the Father's laws, 

The dying Son atones ; 
O, the dear mysteries of His Cross! 

The triumph of His groans! 

O dearest God and Father, let me now depart 
in peace in Jesus Christ. I know that Thou hast 
loved me, and given Thy Son for me. I have be- 
lieved on Him, and would remain steadfast in 
this faith till the last moment of my life. O let 
Thy Spirit bear witness with my spirit that I am 
not lost. Strengthen me in the faith, and grant 
that what I have believed in this world, I may 
behold in the world to come. O Jesus, abide with 
me; O forsake me not. 



534 For the Use of the Dying. 

I Peter 1 : 18, 19. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were 
not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and 
gold, from your vain conversation, received by tradi- 
tion from your fathers; but with the precious blood of 
Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without 
spot. 

Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness 
My beauty are and glorious dress ; 
'Midst flaming worlds in these arrayed, 
With joy shall I lift up my head. 

O mighty God, I come before Thee, not in mine 
own righteousness, but in the righteousness of 
Jesus Christ which I have put on by faith. O 
Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the 
world, have mercy upon me. O righteous God, 
look not upon my sin and iniquity, but upon the 
righteousness and holiness of Jesus which I 
make mine own by faith. I hide in His wounds ; 
I die relying upon His merit. For His sake be 
gracious and merciful unto me. 



Acts 4 : 12. Neither is there salvation in any other : 
for there is none other name under heaven given 
among men, whereby we must be saved 

Jesus! only name that's given 
Under all the mighty heaven, 
Whereby man, to sin enslaved, 
Bursts his fetters and is saved. 



Consolations and Prayers. 535 

Jesus ! Name of wondrous love ! 
Human name of Him above ! 
Pleading only this I flee, 
Helpless, O my God, to Thee. 

Jesus, my only Salvation and Refuge, I 
come to Thee in this hour of my death. O have 
mercy upon me, and forsake me not. The sweet 
name of Jesus, and the remembrance of His 
blood and wounds, and of His holy Person, shall 
remain in my heart and mind. Lord Jesus, I 
live unto Thee; Lord Jesus, I die unto Thee; 
Lord Jesus, living or dying I am Thine. Amen. 



I John 2 : 1, 2. Ii any man sin, we have an Advo- 
cate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous : and 
He is the propitiation for our sins : and not for ours 
only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 

Father, though I have sinned, with Thee 

An Advocate I have: 
Jesus the Just shall plead for me, 

The sinner Christ shall save. 

O great God, the time of my departure from 
the world and of my appearing before Thy judg- 
ment approaches. O heavenly Father, have 
mercy upon me, and graciously receive me, Thy 
child, whom Thou hast created and loved. O 
Jesus, plead for me ; Thou art my Mediator, In- 



536 For the Use of the Dying. 

tereessor, and Saviour. Take away my sins, 
clothe me with Thy righteousness, — and I am 
saved. O blessed Holy Spirit, abide in my heart, 
and bring me to the habitations above. 



John 5 : 24. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that 
heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, 
hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condem- 
nation ; but is passed from death unto life. 

When from the dust of death I rise 
To claim my mansion in the skies, 
Even then this shall be all my plea, 
"Jesus hath lived and died for me." 

O Saviour, fulfil Thy blessed promise in me. 
When I appear before the judgment, let me for 
Thy sake obtain mercy. Let me not come into 
condemnation nor hear the sentence of death. 
Keep me in faith to the end, that I may receive 
the end of my faith, even the salvation of my 
soul. 



Heb. 4 : 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the 
throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find 
grace to help in time of need. 

By Thee my prayers acceptance gain, 

Although with sin defiled; 
Satan accuses me in vain, 

And I am owned a child. 



Consolations and Prayers. 537 

Yes, for Christ's sake I shall obtain mercy. 
Lord God, the Father in heaven, have mercy 
upon me; Lord God the Son, Redeemer of the 
world, have mercy upon me ; Lord God, the Holy 
Ghost, have mercy upon me. Amen. 



II Cor. 5: 21. For He hath made Him to be sin 
for us, who knew no sin ; that we might be made the 
righteousness of God in Him. 

Lamb of God for sinners wounded 

Sacrifice to cancel guilt ! 
None shall ever be confounded 

Who on Thee their hope have built. 

Jesus, Thou hast taken away my sins, and be- 
stowed Thy righteousness upon me. What was 
mine, my sin and guilt, was laid upon Thee ; and 
what was Thine, Thy righteousness, has been 
imputed to me. In this I rejoice; in this I find 
comfort. "Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness 
My beauty are and glorious dress; Midst flam- 
ing worlds, in these arrayed, With joy shall I lift 
up my head." In Christ I am justified, in Him I 
am saved. In this my hour of death I envelop 
myself in His righteousness. In it I can die 
blessed, and find acceptance with God. 



538 For the Us§ of the Dying. 

ReV; 21 ; 4. Ahd God shall wipe away all tears 
from their eyes; arid there shall be no more death, 
neither sorrow, rior crying, neither shall there be any 
more pain j for thi former things are passed away, 

Hunger^ thirst* disease unknown. 

On immortal fruits they feed ; 
Them the Lamb amidst the throne 

Shall to living waters lead; 
Joy and gladness banish sighs $ 

Perfect love dispels all fears; 
And forever from their eyes 

God shall wipe away the tears. 

O Jesus, I rejoice in anticipation of the hour 
when, with glorified vision, I shall behold Thy 
face. There my body shall shine as the sun; 
and my eyes shall no more be wet with tears, 
but filled with light and splendor. In Thee I 
shall find joy and peace. Here I am but a pil- 
grim and a stranger; but with Thee in heaven I 
shall be in my home and fatherland. 



I John 1:7. If we walk in the light, as He is in 
the light, we have fellowship one with another, and 
the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from 
all sin. 

From sin and guilt, the power, the pain, 

Thou wilt redeem my soul; 
Lord, I believe, and not in vain; 

My faith shall make me whole. 



Consolations and Prayers. 539 

I too with Thee shall walk in white, 
With all Thy saints shall prove 

What is the length, and breadth and height, 
And depth of perfect love. 

I am in the fellowship of Jesus; in it I live 
and die, O Jesus, Thou in me, and I in Thee! 
There is no condemnation for me, because I am 
in Thee. I shall enter into glory : the blood of 
Jesus cleanses, clothes, and adorns me. O heav- 
enly Father, I come to Thee in the righteousness 
of Thv Son. 



John 1: 29. Behold the Lamb of God, which 
taketh away the sin of the world. 

I lay my sins on Jesus, 

The spotless Lamb of God; 
He bears them all and frees us 

From the accursed load. 

I bring my guilt to Jesus, 

To wash my crimson stains 
White, in His blood most precious, 

Till not a spot remains. 

O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away 
the sin of the world, have mercy upon me; O 
Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the 
sin of the world, have mercy upon me ; O Christ, 
Thou Lamb of God, that takest awav the sin of 



540 For the Use of the Dying. 

the world, grant me Thy peace in time and eter- 
nity. 



Luke 2 : 29, 30. Lord now lettest Thou Thy servant 
depart in peace, according to Thy word ; for mine 
eyes have seen Thy salvation. 

There I shall bathe my weary soul 

In seas of heavenly rest; 
And not a wave of trouble roll 

Across my peaceful breast. 

Yes, the peace of God which passeth all under- 
standing keep my heart and mind in Christ Je- 
sus unto everlasting life. Yonder are the habita- 
tions of peace. There we shall cry 'Victory/ and 
bear the emblems of conquest. O that I were al- 
readv there ! 



John 17 : 24. Father, I will that they also, whom 
Thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; that 
they may behold my glory. 

Since Thou hast died for me, 

Help me to trust Thy grace, 
That Thou wilt take me up to Thee, 

Where I shall see Thy face. 

O what a joyful and blessed meeting that will 
be, when I come to Thee, O Jesus, and behold 
Thee face to face. I have loved Thee here on 



Consolations and Prayers. 541 

earth, even while I did not see Thee; O how I 
shall delight in Thee when I come where Thou 
art, to the assembly of the saints and elect. O 
how great is Thy glory! I have not heard in 
this life the half of what I shall there behold. 
O, draw me after Thee, and prepare me for a 
blissful entrance into Thy glory. 



Rom. 14 : 7, 8. For none of us liveth to himself, 
and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, 
we live unto the Lord ; and whether we die, we die 
unto the Lord : whether we live therefore, or die, we 
are the Lord's. 

Close to my Saviour's bloody Tree 
My soul, untired, shall ever cleave ; 

Despised and crucified with Thee, 
With Christ resolved to die and live : 

My prayer, my grand ambition this, 
Living and dying, to be His. 

O great God, I have become Thine in Holy 
Baptism; I have remained Thine by faith; let 
me now in death also be Thine own. O Jesus 
Christ, Son of God, who hast made sufficient 
atonement for all my sins, and who art my only 
Helper and Comforter, let me hide in Thy 
wounds, Amen. 



542 For the Use of the Dying. 

II Tim. 2 : 8. Remember that Jesus Christ of the 
seed of David was raised from the dead. 

Jesus lives! no longer now 

Can Thy terrors, Death, appal me. 

Jesus lives! by this I know 

From the grave He will recall .me. 

Brighter scenes will then commence; 

This shall be mv confidence. 



O Jesus, Thou art deeply engraved in my 
heart. O yes, I remember Thine anguish and 
pain, Thy blood which was shed for me, Thy holy 
wounds. Jesus, I embrace Thee, I press Thee to 
my heart. O forsake me not ; I long for Thee, O 
my Saviour ! Would that I were already with 
Thee! 



Luke 23 : 42, 43. Lord, remember me when Thou 
comest into Thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, 
Verily I say unto Thee, To-day thou shalt be with 
me in paradise. 

When in this solemn hour of death 

I wait Thy just decree, 
Be this the prayer of my last breath, 

Good Lord, remember me. 

O Jesus, my only desire is to have Thy grace 
and mercy. Beceive into Thy hands my soul 
which Thou hast purchased with Thy precious 
blood. O, let it remain in Thy keeping, and 



Consolations and Prayers. 543 

enter into the joys of paradise. I also say with 
the dying thief: Lord Jesus, remember me; re- 
member, that I am Thy child, that I have been 
purchased with Thy precious blood to be Thine 
own. Let me be with Thee to-day in paradise. 



I Tim. 1 : 15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy 
of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the 
world to save sinners. 

My soul is on Thy promise cast, 

And lo, I claim my part: 
The universal pardon's past; 

O seal it on my heart. 

Thou canst not now Thy grace deny ; 

Thou canst not but forgive: 
Lord, if Thy justice asks me why — 

In Jesus I believe. 

Lord, I wait for Thy salvation. Jesus saves 
sinners; He saves me also. Jesus receives sin- 
ners; He receives me also. I belong to Jesus; 
I shall remain His. I lift up mine eyes to heaven, 
and see Jesus beckoning to me. 



544 For the Use of the Dying. 

Psalm 73 : 25, 26. Whom have I in heaven but Thee ? 
and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. 
My flesh and my heart faileth : but God is the strength 
of my heart, and my portion forever. 

Suffering* Son of man be near me, 

In my sufferings to sustain; 
By Thy sorer griefs to cheer me, 
By Thy more than mortal pain. 

By Thy fainting in the garden, 
By Thy dreadful death I pray, 

Write upon my heart Thy pardon ; 
Take my sins and fears away. 

By the travail of Thy spirit, 
By Thine outcry on the Tree, 

By Thine agonizing merit, 
Gracious Lord, remember me. 

O Jesus, my life ebbs away; take me to Thy- 
self. My Shepherd, receive Thy sheep; My 
Bridegroom, receive Thy bride; my Father, re- 
ceive Thy child; my Jesus, receive the soul 
which Thou hast purchased with Thy blood. 
This I pray, this I desire; and thus I close my 
eyes. 



Rev. 7 : 9, 14. After this I beheld, and lo, a great 
multitude which no man could number, of all nations, 
and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before 
the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white 
robes, and palms in their hands. And he said to me, 
These are they which came out of great tribulation, 
and have washed their robes, and made them white 
in the blood of the Lamb. 



Consolations and Prayers. 545 

What are these in bright array. 

This innumerable throng, 
Bound the altar night and day 

Hymning one triumphant song? 
"Worthy is the Lamb, once slain, 

Blessing, honor, glory, power, 
Wisdom, riches to obtain, 

New dominion every hour." 

O my Jesus, I rejoice over the white robe and 
the beauteous crown which Thou wilt give me. 
Meanwhile I wash myself in Thy precious blood, 
and make Thy merit my own. O, for Thy blood 
and righteousness' sake receive me into the eter- 
nal life of joy above. 



Luke 23, 46. Acts 7: 59. Father, into Thy hands 
I commend My spirit. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 

My soul to Thee alone 

Now therefore I commend; 
Thou Jesus, having loved Thine own, 

Wilt love me to the end. 

O my Jesus, I now pray in Thy words : Father 
into Thy hands I commend my spirit. Thy last 
prayer on the cross shall be my last prayer also. 
Lord Jesus, to Thee I live, to Thee I die. Living 
or dying I am Thine. 

35 



546 For the Use of the Dying. 

II Peter 3: 13. Nevertheless we, according to His 
promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, 
wherein dwelleth righteousness. 

Jerusalem, my happy home! 

My soul still pants for Thee. 
Now shall my labors have an end, 

And I Thy joys shall see. 

O Thou Holy Triune God! Eeceive now my 
soul into Thy heavenly kingdom. O come, Lord, 
Jesus, I wait for Thee. O lead me to Thine ever- 
lasting joys. Lord God the Father, what Thou 
hast created; Lord God the Son, what Thou 
hast redeemed ; Lord God the Holy Ghost, what 
Thou hast sanctified, — this I commend into Thy 
hands. To Thy holy name be praise and glory 
now and for ever. Amen. 



Rev. 22 : 12. Behold, I came quickly, and my re- 
ward is with me. 

Even so, come Lord Jesus. Fulfil the promise 
of Thy speedy coming. Deliver me from the sor- 
rows of this world, give me the crown of life, 
bestow upon me the kingdom which Thou hast 
prepared for me. Eeceive me into the glorious 
company of those who sing around Thy throne 
in heaven. Delay not; come quickly, Lord Je- 
sus. Amen. 



The Last Hour. 547 



SENTENCES AND PRAYERS FOR A DYING 
PERSON. 

From the Hymn : 
"When my last hour is close at hand.'* 

1, 

"When my last hour is close at hand" 

OMy Jesus, Thou knowest best how close 
at hand bit last hour may be; therefore 
teach me that mine age is as nothing be- 
fore Thee, and that, verily, every man at his best 
state is altogether vanity. Keep me in the faith, 
that I may trust in the Triune God in whom I 
have been baptized, and may place all my hope, 
O Jesus, in Thy merit, blood, and wounds. O, 
in my last hour preserve me from temptations; 
let Thy left hand be under my head, and Thy 
right hand embrace me. Refresh me in my final 
hour through the consolations of the Holy Spirit, 
and let me hear joy and gladness. Be with me 
when my end comes. 

"My last sad journey taken" 

O yes, my Jesus, I shall journey the way of 
death; but I do not fear, if Thou, O Jesus, art 
with me. My death is but my going to the 
Father. How glad I am that I shall come to my 
heavenly Father, and to Thee, my Jesus! There 



548 For the Use of the Dying. 

I shall find peace, joy, comfort, gladness, light, 
a white robe, and a beautiful crown. O how 
happy I shall be! There all my sorrows and 
afflictions shall end, and I shall have rest, happi- 
ness and salvation. Be with me, O Jesus, on this 
journey through death to life eternal. Chase 
away all enemies of my soul, and give me the joy- 
fulness of faith and the sweetness of Thy conso- 
lation, that I may begin and finish my death- 
journey happy and blessed. 

"Do Thou, Lord Jesus, by me stand" 

O yes, Lord Jesus, guide me from this tem- 
poral life to everlasting life. Though the way 
of death be dark, I shall nevertheless walk in the 
light, if Thou, O Jesus, art my Light. Stand by 
my death-bed, and receive my soul when it leaves 
the body. When I close my eyes in death, let my 
soul's eyes behold Thee. Conduct my soul to Thy 
holy habitation, to the holy angels, and to the 
assembly of the elect. Yea, accompany me be- 
fore the throne of Thy heavenly Father, and pre- 
sent me there as one who belongs to Thee, that I 
may there obtain grace, and be received as an 
heir of eternal life. When I leave the world 
stand by me, 



The Last Hour. 549 

"Let me not be forsaken" 

In my dying hour no one can help me but 
Thou, O Jesus, alone. Help me, and strengthen 
my faith; help me, and bear witness with my 
spirit that I am a child of God, and that now, as 
a child of God, I shall receive my eternal inher- 
itance. O forsake me not when I grow pale in 
death. Forsake me not when my eyes break, 
but remain with me as the light of my soul. For- 
sake me not when my hearing fails, but instruct, 
console, and refresh me inwardly in my soul. 
Forsake me not when my speech leaves me and I 
am no longer able to pray, but pray for me then, 

Jesus; and Thou, O Holy Spirit, pray in me. 
and make intercession for me with groanings 
which cannot be uttered. Forsake me not when 

1 depart from this world but lead me to the 
blessedness of heaven. 

"0 Lord, my spirit I resign" 

into Thy care and grace. O Jesus, Thou hast 
purchased my soul with Thy precious blood; 
wash and cleanse it, that it may be a vessel pure 
and well-pleasing to God. When the end of my 
earthly life approaches, let me, if it be Thy will, 
retain my reason to the last, that I may turn 
my heart and mind and eyes to Thee, and pray 
as long as my tongue can stammer, and sigh as 



550 For the Use of the Dying. 

long as there is still breath in niy body ; yea, that 
I may be able to hear for my comfort and joy the 
words of encouragement spoken by those who 
surround me. Give me, if it be Thy will, a joyful 
end: let me, O Jesus, enjoy Thy fellowship in 
death, experience the sweetness of Thy indwell- 
ing, and be refreshed by the consolations of the 
Holy Spirit. Give me a blessed end: let me 
calmly and peacefully fall asleep in faith, and 
remain united with Thee before death, in death, 
and after death. In order that this may be the 
case, I commend my spirit 

"Into Thy loving hands divine/' 

how well it will there be cared for. Behold, 

1 daily commend my soul to Thee; this, therefore, 
shall be my prayer now : Lord Jesus, receive my 
spirit. My Jesus, with Thy precious blood Thou 
hast redeemed my soul from sin and from the 
power of the devil; therefore I commit it to 
Thee : it is Thine, and shall remain Thine to 
eternity. Eeceive it into the eternal joys of 
heaven, to gladness and glory and eternal hap- 
piness. Thy hands are mighty ; no one can pluck 
my soul out of them. The world cannot do so 5 
for it has no claim on me : Satan cannot do so ; 
for Thou hast overcome him. Thy hands are 
faithful; in them my soul is well taken care of; 






The Last Hour. 551 

"'Tis safe within Thy keeping." 

I give my soul into Thy keeping till the last 
day, when Thou shalt unite it with my glorified 
body, and shalt let soul and body enjoy the bliss 
of heaven. Meanwhile gladden, comfort, and re- 
fresh my soul in Thy glory. Let my faith be 
followed by sight, turmoil by rest, sorrow by joy, 
affliction by deliverence. Let my soul, in the 
midst of the angels and elect, behold the glory 
which Thou hast prepared for Thy children. 

2. 

"Countless as sands upon the shore" 

If the sands upon the shore are many, my sins 
are more. I have sinned often by thoughts; I 
have sinned often by words and foolish conversa- 
tion; I have sinned often in deeds and actions, 
from my youth up till this very hour. If Thou, 
Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who 
shall stand? If Thou wilt bring the thoughts of 
my heart before Thy judgment, I shall be 
ashamed ; if I must give an account of every idle 
word, I am lost; if Thou wilt judge and reward 
me according to my deeds, O what will become of 
me? 

"My sins may then appal me;" 

O yes, my Jesus, I think now of my sins, and 
I sincerely repent that I have in my life-time 



y 



552 For the Use of the Dying. 

grieved Thee so niuch, so often, and in so many 
ways, by thoughts, words, and deeds. O, I mourn 
over my sins in my inmost soul. I am sorry that 
I have offended my Creator, my Kedeemer, and 
my Sanctifier. O, that I had not done so! And 
if I had it to do again, I would act otherwise. 
But, O Jesus, wash me clean from all my sins 
with Thy precious blood, and remember them no 
more forever. O my Jesus, when my sins rise 
before me here on my sick-bed, and would terrify 
and accuse me, do Thou, O Jesus, come to my 
rescue; show me Thy holy wounds, blot out with 
Thy holy blood the whole account of sin which 
stands against me, and seal forgiveness on my 
heart through Thy Holy Spirit. 

"Yet, though my conscience vex me sore/ 7 

Alas, my sins fill me with anxiety and terror. 

sin, how bitter art thou on the bed of death, 
how dreadful the qualms of conscience which 
thou dost produce! But O my Jesus, I pray for 
grace. Mercifully forgive me all the sins which 

1 have committed against Thee during my life 
upon earth. O Jesus, for the sake of Thy blood 
which was shed for me, forgive me all my trans- 
gressions ; for the sake of Thy holy wounds, have 
mercy upon me. For Thine eternal love's sake 
receive me into Thy favor. Have mercy upon 
me, O God, according to Thy loving-kindness; 



The Last Hoar. 553 

according unto the multitude of Thy tender mer- 
cies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me 
thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me 
from my sin. Then shall my conscience be qui- 
eted, and my heart be at rest. O, I do not deny 
my iniquities and sins, but acknowledge before 
the all-knowing God that they are very, very 
many. Yet 

"Despair shall not enthrall me:" 

Why should I despair? My heavenly Father 
will not cast out His poor repenting child. I 
will not despair; Jesus is my Saviour, my Medi- 
ator, and my Intercessor with His heavenly 
Father. Who shall lay anything to the charge 
of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who 
is he that condemeth? It is Christ that died, 
yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the 
right hand of God, who also maketh intercession 
for us. I will not despair : the Holy Ghost will 
be my Stay in the hour of my death, and will 
bear witness with my spirit, that I am a child 
of God, that my sins are forgiven for Christ's 
sake, and that the mercy of God will take me in 
its arms. Whenever, therefore, Satan, my sins, 
and my conscience would terrify and threaten 
me, Thou, O Jesus, shalt be the Refuge and Con- 
solation of my soul. 



554 For the Use of the Dying. 

"And as I draw my latest breath 

I'll think, Lord Christ, upon Thy Death" 

I will think at my death, O Jesus, of Thee on the 
cross: how Thou didst die for ine, how Thou 
didst shed Thy blood for me. And I will say: 
Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the 
sin of the world ; O Lamb of God, who diedst for 
me upon the cross, have mercy upon me. O 
Jesus, Thy death is my life. Because Thou hast 
died for me, I shall not suffer eternal condem- 
nation and death, but shall have life through 
Thee. For God so loved the world that He gave 
His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believ- 
eth in Him should not perish, but have everlast- 
ing life. The remembrance of Thy bitter suffer- 
ings and death, O Jesus, shall ever be in my 
heart. 

"And there find consolation." 

Thy wounds were made for me, and in them 
I will seek refuge. " Jesus, Lover of my soul, 
Let me to thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters 
roll, While the tempest still is high. Hide me, 
O my Saviour, hide, Till the storm of life is past; 
Safe into the haven guide ; O receive my soul at 
last!" The water and the blood which flowed 
from Thy wounded side assure me of my cleans- 
ing from sin, and of my reconciliation with God. 
My last thought shall be of Jesus' blood and 



The Last Hour. 555 

wounds and death; and my last word shall be 
"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus." O Jesus Christ, Son of 
God, who hast done so much for me, hide me in 
Thy wounds. Thou art my only Helper and Com- 
forter. Thy wounds secure for me the grace of 
God, righteousness, and eternal life. As my body 
shall be enclosed in a casket, so will I enclose my 
soul in the wounds of Jesus. There it shall be 
safe; there Satan cannot harm it; there no en- 
emy of the soul can touch it. In those wounds it 
shall have rest and peace, and shall be brought 
to the assembly of the elect. 

"A member of Thy body I!" 

O what a comfort it is in the hour of my death, 
that I am a member of Thy holy Body. In Holy 
Baptism I have been born again, and have be- 
come a member of the Christian Church, of 
which Jesus is the Head. And if Jesus is my 
Head, and I His member, I know that I shall 
also be where my Jesus is. But Jesus is in 
glory; consequently I shall arrive in glory also. 
The Head cannot leave the members behind, but 
will draw them after Him. Yes, my Jesus will 
draw me after Him to His eternal heavenly 
kingdom of joy. He has promised: "And I, if 
I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me." O 
Jesus, Thou hast been lifted up and exalted to 
the right hand of Thy heavenly Father; draw 



556 For the Use of the Dying. 

me unto Thee; bring me to Thine eternal heav- 
enly bliss. Yes, Thou wilt make me, Thy child, 
partaker of Thy glory. 

"With joy this truth I ponder!" 

When the Head wears the crown, the mem- 
bers rejoice. And because Jesus is crowned with 
glory and honor, I also shall obtain the victory 
after the conflict, and receive a glorious robe 
and a beautiful crown from the hand of the 
Lord. This is a sure consolation; for since I 
am a child of God, I am also an heir, an heir of 
God and joint-heir with Christ. I shall receive 
a heavenly inheritance, and be exalted to glory. 
O should I not be glad to die, glad to suffer with 
Christ, that I may live and reign with Him eter- 
nally? This shall be my constant comfort: Je- 
sus, my Head, will glorify me, His member; 
Jesus, my Saviour, will give me life eternal. 
Therefore I also say, My Jesus, 

"From Thee I shall not part, though death 
My soul and body sunder." 

Though in this life a head may be severed 
from the body, no one can sever me from Jesus. 
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, 
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor 
things present, nor things to come, nor height, 
nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able 



The Last Hour. 557 

to separate me from the love of God, which is in 
Christ Jesus our Lord. No cross or sickness 
can do so; for I will patiently bear them; no 
conflict or sickness of soul, for Jesus will be with 
me in them and help me to overcome. Even 
death itself cannot do so, but will only open the 
door for me to go to Jesus. I will remain united 
with Christ in life, in suffering, in death. Body 
and soul may part; but Jesus and my soul shall 
never part. I must leave the world and be sepa- 
rated from my friends; but from Jesus never! 
O Jesus, I have ever enclosed Thee in my heart ; 
there I would hold Thee fast in true faith till 
Thou bringest me to Thy heavenly glory. Jesus 
is mine and I am His. 

Though the need be great in death, it is no 
need to me, because 'Jesus is with me. Or wilt 
Thou, my Jesus, forsake me in this hour? O 
faithful Friend of my soul, Thou wilt not do so. 
Thou hast promised "I will be with thee in 
trouble." Fulfil Thy gracious promise. Thou 
wilt sweeten my last hour with Thy presence. 
Let me find comfort in the remembrance of Thy 
sufferings and death for me, and cling to Thee 
firmly by faith. Give me grace to say: Lord 
Jesus, I will not let Thee go except Thou bless 
me. Lord Jesus, in Thee I live, in Thee I die; 
Lord Jesus, I am Thine in life and in death. He 
who dies thus dies well ; 



558 For the Use of the Dying. 

"For though I die, I die in Thee;" 

Yes, my Jesus, I will gladly die, since I know 
that I shall come to Thee in glory. I will die in 
faith, and trust in Thy merit, sufferings, and 
death. I die happy, because I die in Thee, long- 
ing for Thee. I die as Thy child whom Thou 
hast hitherto led. I die as Thy sheep which no 
man can pluck out of Thy hand. I die as Thine 
heir, for whom the joy and bliss of heaven are 
prepared. For 

"Eternal life Thou hast for me" 

prepared above. In heaven with Thee, in ever- 
lasting joy, there shall be no grief or sorrow, no 
sickness or pain, no suffering or death, but all 
shall be joy and happiness, peace, delight, sweet- 
ness, light, and glory eternally. O Jesus, how 
I rejoice in anticipation of that life and glory! 
Here I have had few good days, and my daily 
food has been toil and trouble; but in heaven 
I shall have all good days, days of joy and de- 
light. There sorrow and tears shall be no more. 
There my Saviour shall wipe away all tears from 
my eyes. O happy the hour when I shall reach 
that joy! And that I shall reach it, I know; 
for that life of bliss Thou hast for me 

"Secured by Thine own dying" 



The Last Hour. 559 

Lamb of God, Thou hast died for me, and 
art the propitiation for the sins of the whole 
world. For me Thou wast mocked and crucified 
and slain. Thy death has sweetened my death. 
All that Thou hast done is for me. The mockery 
and shame heaped upon Thee haye redounded 
to my honor. I give Thee ten thousand thanks 
for all Thou hast done for me. Thy death has 
reconciled me to God, and brought me peace, for- 
giveness of sins, righteousness and salvation. 
Because Thou livest, I shall live also. Be con- 
tent therefore, my soul, and look with joy to 
heaven. Jesus has acquired heaven for thee, 
and prepared a mansion for thee there. And 
though I have here no abiding city, though my 
earthly life ends, my heart ceases to beat, and 
soul and body part asunder ; I know that I shall 
go to Jesus my Saviour. For I know that if this 
earthly house of my tabernacle be dissolved, I 
have a building of God, not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens, — a building which Jesus 
has acquired for me by His sufferings and death. 

3. 

"Since Thou hast risen from the dead" 

Since Jesus has risen, God's word assures me 
that I also, though I die, shall rise again. Al- 
though my body shall be laid in the earth and 



560 For the Use of the Dying. 

turn to dust and ashes, it shall not remain in 
the grave, but shall be raised in glory. It shall 
shine like the sun in the Kingdom of the Father ; 
it shall be transformed and glorified, and clothed 
with white robes. Is not this a great consolation 
for me? And this is so, because Jesus has risen 
from the dead. He died for me on the cross as 
the spotless Lamb of God, and was buried; but 
on the third day He rose again from the dead. 
Christ is risen : I also shall rise. Jesus lives : 
I also shall live. O joy, O bliss! Though my 
body die and be laid in the earth, it shall come 
forth again clothed with glory and immortality. 
As Jesus remained not in the grave, neither 
shall I. 

"The grave shall not retain me;" 

Jesus will restore my life to me, and give me 
back the members of my body. Soul and body, 
though separated by death, shall be re-united in 
the glorious resurrection. Therefore, let my 
body be laid in the grave; it shall not remain 
there. The grave is but the bed in which I sleep 
till Jesus wakes me. In it I repose after the 
weary hours of waking, suffering, pain, and tur- 
moil. In my grave Jesus will cover me with the 
wings of His grace, and guard my bones till He 
joins them together again, and restores my head 



The Last Hour. 561 

and hands and all my members. As little as the 
grave could retain my Jesus, so little can it re- 
tain me when the last trumpet shall sound to 
wake the dead. The grave will not harm me. 
My body shall simply rest there from all care 
and toil and pain, while my soul is refreshed 
and comforted by God in heaven. 

"Since Thou, Lord, didst ascend on high" 

When Jesus had arisen from the dead, He as- 
cended into heaven and entered upon His glory. 
Behold, Jesus has gone on before, and I shall 
follow Him. I also shall ascend to heaven. My 
soul shall at once ascend to God after it quits 
this life; and in the blessed resurrection of the 
dead we shall be caught up in the clouds, to 
meet the Lord in the air; and then soul and 
body shall be ever with the Lord. O my Jesus, 
let me meditate much upon this glorious ascen- 
sion, that I may comfort myself with the thought 
of it. Help me to bear in mind, that I cannot 
ascend to heaven until after I have laid aside 
my mortality. This, then, shall be my greatest 
comfort in death: Jesus lives, and I shall also 
live ; Jesus ascended to heaven, and I shall fol- 
low Him; Jesus has entered into glory, and I 
shall enter heaven and partake of that glory 
also. What can be sweeter and more delightful 

36 



562 For the Use of the Dying. 

than this ascension of Jesus and my own ascen- 
sion? 

"Death's fear shall not enchain me." 

I know that I shall die; but I am not afraid 
of death, because it is the door through which 
my soul shall enter into eternal glory. Does a 
child fear to go to its father, or a bride to her 
bridegroom? Through death I shall come to my 
heavenly Father, and to Jesus the Bridegroom 
of my soul! Why then should I fear? I shall 
enter into glory, dwell in eternal light and joy, 
and receive a white robe and a crown. And this 
fills me, not with fear, but with gladness. I 
shall not die; only my wretchedness shall die. 
My soul shall lose its cross, and receive instead 
the blessedness of heaven ; it shall take leave of 
men, and enter the company of the angels and 
the elect. Yes, my Lord Jesus, what still more 
dispels my fear of death is my holy fellowship 
with Thee; 

"For where Thou art, there I shall be" 

O what a comfort this is: after death I shall 
ascend to heaven and be with my Jesus in glory. 
The sheep shall be with the Shepherd, the dis- 
ciple with the Master, the servant with the Lord. 
This is what He has promised, saying, "Where 
I am, there also shall my servant be." O what 



The Last Hour. 563 

joy to have Jesus embrace ine in His arms, and 
lead me to glory. my Saviour, when shall the 
hour of this blessed consummation appear? Not 
only hast Thou rescued me from condemnation 
and the jaws of hell; not only hast Thou ac- 
quired salvation for my soul; not only hast 
Thou preceded me to prepare a place for me; 
but Thou wilt receive me unto Thyself, accord- 
ing as Thou hast promised to Thy children: "I 
will receive you unto myself, that where I am, 
there ye may be also." Since I shall be where 
Jesus is, I am blessed. 

"That I may ever live with Thee :" 

Christ will take me unto Himself, in order 
that I may ever live with him in bliss, and en- 
joy the glory of heaven. I shall inherit a place 
in my heavenly Father's home, and share in all 
the joys of heaven. My pilgrimage will be at 
an end, and I shall be at home. And this union 
shall never be broken. I shall stand before His 
throne and see His face, and be filled by this 
vision with inexpressible joy. I shall live in 
His presence and be refreshed by Him through- 
out eternity. 

"This is my joy in dying. 7 ' 

Why should I not die joyfully? In peace and 
happiness I pass away in accordance with the 



564 For the Use of the Dying. 

will of God. My heart is content and death is 
but a sleep. I die joyfully, because my sins are 
forgiven for the sake of the sufferings and death 
of Jesus. I die joyfully, because I shall be raised 
from the grave to eternal life. I die joyfully, 
because I shall celebrate a joyful ascension, and 
come to my Jesus. I rejoice to depart and be 
with Christ, which is far better. I leave the 
world gladly, because I am going out of the 
world into heaven, away from this vale of tears 
to enter the abode of bliss. I am going from the 
tribulations and afflictions of this world to enter 
upon the enjoyment of those good things which 
Christ has prepared for me and which pass all 
human understanding, but which shall endure 
forever. 

"And so to Jesus Christ I'll go," 

My Saviour said: "I ascend unto my Father 
and your Father ; and to my God and your God." 
And I, as I die, say also : I ascend to my heav- 
enly Father, to my Jesus, to the Holy Spirit — 
to the Triune God, to my Iinmanuel, to the 
Friend of my soul, to my Brother; yea, to my 
Redeemer I, a redeemed soul, ascend. I go to 
my Saviour, who will lead me into heaven, and 
receive me into favor as a soul that is cleansed 
by His blood. O how I long to behold Jesus in 



The Last Hour. 565 

His glory, and to embrace Him whom, not hav- 
ing seen, I yet love! 

"My loving arms extending;" 

I reach out my arms toward Jesus to press 
Him to my heart, to hold Him fast, and never 
more to let Him go. I already embrace Him by 
faith, and cling to Him. And I will not let Him 
go till He leads me into His Father's house to 
everlasting salvation. I extend my arms and 
cry: Yes, come Lord Jesus. I remember now 
how my Jesus extended His two arms upon the 
cross and died in that position, as though He 
would embrace me. So will I die now with arms 
outstretched to embrace Jesus. O Bridegroom 
of my soul, embrace me, and present me trans- 
formed and glorified before Thy heavenly Father. 
O Avhat a happy entrance that will be, when thus, 
accompanied and conducted by Jesus, I shall 
enter into heaven. These shall be my thoughts 
in death. 

"So fall asleep in slumber deep" 

Resting in the arms of Jesus I shall sleep in 
peace. With Jesus in my heart and mind, I fall 
asleep in God's name. O Jesus, cause my death 
to be a sweet and gentle slumber, and let me de- 
part in faith and love toward Thee. Let my 
body repose peacefully in the cool earth till the 



566 For the Use of the Dying. 

last day. And while the body thus sleeps, the 
soul shall be at rest in everlasting joy and bliss. 
O blessed sleep, which none shall disturb! I shall 
have rest from my cross, rest from all trouble 
and sorrow and grief, rest from all pain. O 
blessed, glorious heavenly rest! Since the child 
sleeps peacefully in its mother's arms, why 
should I not sleep and rest peacefully in the 
arms of Jesus? 

"No man my slumber ending." 

To wake the dead is a work of God, and no 
man has the power to wake them. But Thou, 
Lord Jesus, art true God, and wilt raise the dead 
from their graves; Thy voice shall resound 
through the depth of the earth and be heard in 
the graves; and the dead shall arise. O Jesus, 
raise my body on the last day to everlasting life, 
that the body also which has served Thee here 
may be glorified. I know that my Redeemer 
liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day 
upon the earth ; and though after my skin worms 
destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; 
whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall 
behold Him and not another. What no man 
can do, this my Saviour shall do. 



The Last Hour. 567 

"But Jesus Christy God's only Son;' 

In these words I once more make confession 
of niY faith in Jesus. He is Jesus, the Redeemer 
and Saviour of men; He is Christ, the Anointed 
One whom God had promised; He is not only 
true man, but the Son of God, yea, He is God. 
Trusting in this Jesus, I now die joyful and 
blessed. The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, 
cleanseth me from all sin. He 

"Shall ope the gates of bliss, lead on" 

O my Jesus, when the door of this life closes 
after me, do Thou open to me the door of eternal 
life. I have diligently directed my thoughts to 
heaven here in this life ; I have sought for heaven 
by a life of faith ; therefore, O Jesus, open wide 
for me the gate of heaven when I close my earthly 
pilgrimage. O Jesus, open the door of heaven 
and say, "Thou good and faithful soul, enter 
thou into the joy of Thy Lord. Come, thou 
blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom pre- 
pared for thee from the foundation of the world." 
O how happy I shall be when Thou welcomest me 
with such words, and dost "lead on 

To heaven, to life eternal:' 

As a bridegroom leads his bride to the mar- 
riage, so lead me, O Jesus, to eternal life, to the 



568 For the Use of the Dying. 

life that shall never end, to the glory which Thou 
hast acquired for me, to the bliss that shall last 
forever. Thus I die happy. I am with Jesus, 
and He is with me. I am transported from the 
earthly life of sorrow to the heavenly life of joy. 
I am come from faith to sight. I shall, I know, 
see God face to face amid the everlasting joy 
and glory which awaits me. To Thee be praise 
and glory to all eternity. 



THE BY-STANDERS ENCOURAGE THE DYING ONE. 

Eemember Jesus Christ, remember His bitter 
sufferings and death. Comfort yourself with the 
love of your heavenly Father, who has received 
you in Holy Baptism as His child, and will now 
receive you into everlasting glory. Comfort 
yourself with the bleeding wounds of Jesus, 
which he endured for your sins. Comfort your- 
self with His precious blood, which Avas shed 
for you. Comfort yourself with the grace of the 
Holy Spirit who has sanctified you. In this 
Triune God live and die blessed. Amen. 



BENEDICTION OVER A DYING PERSON. 

Depart in peace, O soul, ransomed with the 
precious blood of Jesus. Depart to thy dear God 



The Last Hour. 569 

and Father in Jesus Christ, who has created thee 
and loved thee, whom thou didst fear with child- 
like fear, and in whom thou didst trust. Depart 
to the Lord Jesus, thy loving and faithful Shep- 
herd, who has purchased thee as his sheep with 
His own blood, and to whom thou hast clung in 
faith. Depart to the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, 
who has sanctified thee, and chosen thee for His 
temple and dwelling-place. Depart out of vanity 
into eternity. Kest from thy pilgrimage, and 
enter thy heavenly Fatherland. Depart out of 
sorrow into joy. Depart out of all trouble to the 
living God. God bless thy going out and thy 
coming in, and preserve thee by His power unto 
salvation. Depart, and enter upon the kingdom 
prepared for thee from the foundation of the 
world. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the 
Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be 
gracious unto thee ; the Lord lift up His counte- 
nance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen. 



PRAYER OF THE BY-STANDERS AFTER ONE HAS DIED. 

O holy and righteous God! It hath pleased 
Thee to call the departed one away from this 
world by bodily death. O let us learn from this 
death, that we also must die and leave the world ; 
so that we may prepare ourselves in time by re- 



570 For the Use of the Dying. 

pentance, living faith, and the avoidance of the 
vanities and sins of the world. Gladden the de- 
parted soul with heavenly peace and joy, and 
fulfil unto it all the gracious promises which 
Thou hast given to the believers in Thy holy 
Word. Grant to the body a soft repose in the 
earth till the last day, when Thou shalt re-unite 
soul and body and lead them to glory, thus filling 
with heavenly bliss the whole man who has 
served Thee here on earth. Comfort those whom 
this death has filled with grief; and be and re- 
main to the bereaved ones their Father, Provi- 
der, Guardian, Helper and Friend. Do not 
forsake them, do net fail them; but let them 
abundantly experience Thy goodness, grace, 
love, and help, till at last Thou shalt grant them 
also a peaceful and happy end. O, hear us for 
Thy mercy's sake. Amen. 



BOOK V. 



Prayers for Special Occasions. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAISES GOD ON HIS 
BIRTHDAY. 

MEDITATION. 

Psalm 116: 12. What shall I render unto the Lord 
for all His benefits toward me? 

BIRTHDAYS should be observed as days of 
praise aud thanksgiving, and be employed 
in singing and prayer, and devotional 
thoughts and exercises. We should be moved to 
spend the day thus by a consideration of the 
many benefits which we have received from the 
faithful hand of God through all our life to the 
present moment, and by the fact that He has 
carried us in His arms in childhood, in youth, 
and even to the present hour. But only a very 
small percentage of people think of these things. 
The poor and lowly do not pay much attention to 
the day. At court the day is remembered and 
celebrated, but how? With expensive feasts, 
and balls ; and then it certainly cannot be called 
a day of thanksgiving and praise, nor one that is 
well-pleasing to God. 

(571) 



572 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

True children of God, when they live to cele- 
brate the anniversary of their birth, should 
praise the mercy and faithfulness of God (1) be- 
cause He has let them be born of Christian pa- 
rents, who brought them to a knowledge of 
the salvation in Jesus Christ; (2) because He 
has given them a sound body and a sound mind, 
for these are great, though often unacknowl- 
edged benefits of God; (3) because He has 
guarded them against harm, delivered them out 
of dangers, and preserved them up to the present 
moment. (4) At the same time they should humbly 
pray God to forgive them their sins, and promise 
Him to spend their remaining days in child-like 
obedience and faithfulness. (5) They should rest 
assured, that if they presevere in faith and love, 
God will continue to spread the wings of His 
grace over them. (6) Finally they should remem- 
ber that this anniversary of their birth may pos- 
sibly be the last one which they shall be per- 
mitted to celebrate on earth. 

PRAYER. 

Eternal, kind, and merciful God! By Thy 
grace I have lived to celebrate another birthday. 
And I thank Thee, not only that Thou hast 
given me the bodily birth, but also that Thou 
hast given me the new birth in Holy Baptism. 
By the one I became a human being and Thy 



On a Birth-day. 573 

creature, and by the other I became Thy child 
and heir. Therefore this day shall be my day 
of praise, prayer, and thanksgiving. Bless the 
Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. 
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt 
His name together. I will bless the Lord at all 
times: His praise shall continually be in my 
mouth. 

Have I not reason to praise and thank Thee, 
my God? Thou hast not only blessed me with a 
sound body and straight limbs, but hast let me 
be born of Christian parents, who from my youth 
up trained me in the knowledge of Thee. If 
Thou hadst let me be born of Jewish, Moham- 
medan, or heathen parents, I would probably 
be as blind and obstinate as they. But now I 
know Thee and love Thee, and have in Thee 
the life and salvation of my soul. And as I have 
been brought up in Thine arms, so Thou hast led 
and guided me, and provided for me during 
all the following years, graciously preserving me 
to this day. 

O my God, I am not worthy of the least of all 
the mercies and of all the truth, which Thou 
hast shown to me. Come and hear, all ye that 
fear God, and I will declare what He hath done 
for my body and my soul. But O, I cannot de- 
clare it all. It would be easier to count the stars 
in the sky than to count the benefits which I 



574 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

have received from Thee. From how many dan- 
gers hast Thou not delivered me! How much 
harm hast Thou not warded off from me! Thy 
Spirit has instructed, ruled, and guided me, and, 
when I was inclined to sin, has warned and re- 
strained me. 

And now, as my years increase and Thy bene- 
fits become more numerous, I think of the sins 
which I have committed in my life-time. O for- 
give me for Jesus' sake; blot out my sins with 
His precious blood ; and let me for His sake find 
favor in Thy sight. Grant me grace to spend the 
remaining days which Thou hast allotted to me, 
in Thy fear and in holiness of life, so that all 
my actions may be well-pleasing to Thee. And 
since I do not know how many more days I shall 
spend upon the earth, and yet know, on the other 
hand, that Thou hast set bounds to my life which 
I cannot pass, guard me against shortening my 
life by anger, intemperance, sin, fool-hardiness 
or crime. Let me spend my allotted days in 
health, under Thy blessing and protection, till 
for Christ's sake Thou shalt give me, instead of 
this earthly and transient life, eternal life in 
heaven. Till then I will celebrate this anniver- 
sary, whenever it returns, to Thy honor and 
praise and glory. Amen. 



On a Birth-day. 575 



HYMN. 



When all Thy mercies, O my God, 

My rising soul surveys, 
Transported with the view, I'm lost 

In wonder, love, and praise. 

Ten thousand, thousand precious gifts 

My daily thanks employ; 
Nor is the least a cheerful heart 

That tastes those gifts with joy. 

Through every period of my life 

Thy goodness I'll pursue; 
And after death, in distant worlds, 

The glorious theme renew. 

When nature fails, and day and night 
Divide Thy works no more, 

My ever grateful heart, O Lord, 
Thy mercy shall adore. 

Through all eternity to Thee 

A joyful song I'll raise; 
But oh! eternity's too short 

To utter all Thy praise. 

— Joseph Addison, 1712^ 



C. M. 



576 Prayers for Special Occasions. 



THE CHRISTIAN THANKS GOD AFTER 
THE HARVEST HAS BEEN GATH- 
ERED. 

MEDITATION. 

Hosea 2 : 8, 9. For she did not know that I gave 
her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver 
and gold, which they prepared for Baal. Therefore 
will I return, and take away my corn in the time 
thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will 
recover my wool and my flax given to cover her naked- 
ness. 

IF there be a striking manifestation of God's 
goodness which is apparent to all men, it is 
undoubtedly the annual harvest, when God, 
after having guarded the seed throughout the 
winter in the earth, having let it bloom and 
grow and bear fruit in the summer, and having 
warded off hail and damage by storm, fills barn 
and cellar with His blessings. But if there be 
a benefit of which the world makes light and for 
which it is least thankful to God, it is this very 
harvest. For ungrateful men imagine that it 
must be so ; that according to the course of na- 
ture things must grow, and that God has noth- 
ing to do with it. For this reason God in just 
anger sometimes makes the harvest a failure, 
in order that all men may see that the ground 
cannot produce if He does not make it do so, 
and that nothing can grow without His blessing. 



After the Harvest. 577 

A Christian views the matter differently. 
When he beholds the full ears of grain, and the 
vines heavily laden with grapes, (1) he lifts his 
eyes to heaven, and praises the almighty Crea- 
tor, Giver, and Preserver of these blessings, who 
from one grain has produced so many grains, 
and from an insignificant vine has brought forth 
such precious fruit, (2) He praises God's 
Providence, which has sent the early and the 
latter rains in their seasons, warded off hurtful 
thunder-storms, drought, hail, and floods, and 
preserved the harvest. And when he now sees 
the grain harvested and hauled into the barn, 
and the grapes crushed in the wine-press, (3) he 
receives all these gifts with grateful heart and 
hands. (4) He uses them and enjoys them with 
thanksgiving. He acknowledges that God nour- 
ishes, sustains, and preserves him. (5) He lets 
the goodness of God lead him to repentance. If 
men are thankful to their fellow-men for the gift 
of clothing or food, and avoid offending their 
benefactors, why should not we give thanks to 
our greatest Benefactor, who gives us all things? 

PRAYER. 

O give thanks unto the Lord ; for He Is good : 
and His mercy endureth for ever. Thus I say, 
O my God, now that I have seen another blessed 

37 



578 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

harvest gathered. O gracious God, how great is 
Thy mercy to us! Thou hast laid the founda- 
tions of the earth, that it should not be removed 
forever. And in this earth Thou hast laid Thy 
glorious treasures, and makest it bring forth the 
fruits which nourish and sustain us. Thou hast 
crowned this year abundantly with Thy good- 
ness; and Thy paths drop fatness. Thou hast 
watered the hills from Thy chambers ; the earth 
is satisfied with the fruit of Thy works. Thou 
hast caused the grass to grow for the cattle, and 
herb for the service of man : that Thou mightest 
bring forth food out of the earth. 

O faithful Father ! Thou hast this year again 
bestowed upon us, Thy unthankful children, 
food and drink; Thou hast preserved the har- 
vest. Heaven has heard the cry of the earth; 
and the earth has brought forth corn and wine. 
Thou hast given us the early and the latter rains 
in their seasons. And now our fields have 
bloomed and offered us the bounty with which 
Thy blessing covered them. Our trees have 
brought forth all manner of beautiful fruit, and 
the vine has made us glad. Loving God and 
Father, Thou hast spread the wings of Thy mercy 
over all the land : Thou hast let the sunshine 
ripen the crops, and hast protected them from 
hail and blight and drought and flood. When we 
slept, Thou didst wake; Thou wast Guardian 



After the Harvest. 579 

and Keeper over our fields. O Lord, how mani- 
fold are Thy works ! In wisdom hast Thou made 
them all : the earth is full of Thy riches. All 
creatures, men and beasts, wait upon Thee, that 
Thou inayest give them their meat in due season. 
That Thou givest them, they gather ; Thou open- 
est Thine hand, they are filled Avith good. 

Yes, abundantly indeed hast Thou, O God, 
blessed us this year with Thy gifts. And now 
we thank Thee from our inmost soul. O come, 
let us worship and bow down; let us kneel be- 
fore the Lord our Maker. Let us enter into His 
gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts 
with praise. Let us say with grateful heart : 
The Lord hath done great things for us; yea, 
the Lord hath done great things for us ; whereof 
we are glad. O Lord, Lord, grant us grace not to 
misuse these gifts and benefits which Thou hast 
bestowed, but to learn from them to appreciate 
Thy love and faithfulness toward us. And if, 
O God, some unthankful souls should abuse Thy 
gifts by gluttony or intoxication, do not on that 
account withdraw Thy blessing from us, but pre- 
serve it unto us according to Thy mercy. 

O Father, who hast loved us with an everlast- 
ing love, and who through these bodily blessings 
also hast drawn us with loving-kindness, desir- 
ing that in the gifts we may recognize the Giver, 
and in the benefits the Benefactor; grant, that 



580 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

Thy goodness may lead us to repentance, and 
that, whenever we see Thy gifts before us on the 
table or take them into our hands or mouth, we 
may lift up our eyes to Thee, the Fountain of all 
blessings. And as by these gifts Thou dost sus- 
tain our body, so let us be nourished and 
strengthened in the inward man, and increase in 
faith and love and holiness through the means 
of grace which Thou hast ordained; that we 
may grow in all goodness, and be changed from 
glory to glory, till at last we shall be admitted to 
the enjoyment of the heavenly blessings of eter- 
nal life through Jesus Christ. Amen. 

HYMN. 

L. M. 6 lines. 

Lord of the harvest ! once again 
We thank Thee for the ripened grain ; 
For crops safe carried, sent to cheer 
Thy servants through another year ; 
For all sweet, holy thoughts supplied 
By seed-time and by harvest- time. 

The bare dead grain in autumn sown, 
Its robe of vernal green puts on ; 
Glad from its wintry grave it springs, 
Fresh garnished by the King of kings. 
So, Lord, to those who sleep in Thee 
Shall new and glorious bodies be. 

Nor vainly of Thy Word we ask 
A lesson from the reaper's task : 



During a Thunder-storm. 581 

So shall Thine angels issue forth ; 
The tares be burnt ; the just of earth, 
Playthings of sun and storm no more, 
Be gathered to their Father's store. 

Daily, O Lord, our prayers be said, 
As Thou hast taught, for daily bread ; 
But not alone our bodies feed; 
Supply our fainting spirits' need! 
O Bread of Life ! from day to day 
Be Thou their Comfort, Food, and Stay. 

— Joseph Anstice, i8j6. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS DURING A THUN- 
DER-STORM. 

MEDITATION. 

Psalm 18 : 11-13. He made darkness His secret 
place ; and His pavilion round about Him were dark 
waters and thick clouds of the skies. At the bright- 
ness that was' before Him His thick clouds passed, 
hail-stones and coals of fire. The Lord also thun- 
dered in the heavens, and the Highest gave His voice ; 
hail-stones and coals of fire. 

AMONG the external things by which the 
ungodly and worldly are often fright- 
ened and induced to pray, are thunder- 
storms. For when God sends a heayy storm 
with lightning and thunder, many wanton lips 
begin to pray, not out of loye to God, — else why 
did they not do so before? — but out of fear of 
punishment. 



582 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

Believers recognize indeed, (1) that thunder 
and lightning are produced by natural causes, 
but also (2) that they carry out the commands of 
God. Just as God can arm all creatures against 
wicked men, so it is easy for Him to strike man 
or beast, or to set fire to houses, villages, and 
cities by lightning. (3) Hence pious Christians 
should not employ the words thunder and light- 
ning to curse with, nor should they, on the other 
hand, (4) when a storm arises, become timid and 
fearful, and filled with terror ; for this manifests 
a lack of trust in God. But they should (5) re- 
member that God holds the thunder and light- 
ning in His hands, and is abundantly able to 
protect them, even if they are out in the field 
and under the open sky. 

But they should (6) all the more earnestly 
turn to God in prayer, recognize their own in- 
significance and the majesty of God, and realize 
that God is a mighty God, while we men are but 
poor worms, and dust and ashes, whom Gocl 
with one nod or stroke could destroy. And 
therefore they should (7) bow in reverence and 
fear before the majesty of God, not only when it 
thunders, but also when the sun is shining, and 
should be careful not to offend Him by words or 
deeds, but to live in such a manner as to have 
the assurance of His favor at all times, even 



During a Thunder-storm. 583 

though He should be pleased to take us away 
from this world iu a thunder-storm. 

PRAYER. 

Thou strong, Thou almighty God! I hear 
Thy voice in the clouds, I see Thy lightnings 
flash, and hear Thy thunders roar and roll. 
Mighty is Thy arm, and great is Thy power ! and 
if Thou desiredst it, Thou couldest in one mo- 
ment strike me and all men and all Thy creatures 
to the earth. But O Lord, Lord, remember Thy 
tender mercies and Thy loving-kindnesses; for 
they have been ever of old. Remember not the 
sins of my youth, nor my transgressions : accord- 
ing to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy 
goodness- sake, O Lord. O rebuke me not in 
Thine anger, neither chasten me in Thy hot dis- 
pleasure. I acknowledge in all humility of 
heart, that I have richly deserved that Thou in 
Thy righteous wrath shouldst strike and destroy 
me. But O, Thou long-suffering God, spare me 
in this storm. Have mercy upon me, O God, ac- 
cording to Thy loving kindness : according unto 
the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my 
transgressions. 

1 lament and am heartily sorry that hitherto 
I have so often offended Thee by thoughts and 
words and deeds. And I pray Thee for mercy 



584 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

and the forgiveness of all my sins and transgres- 
sions. Consider, O heavenly Father, that I am 
Thy creature and Thy child. And whither shall 
children go in their need and anxiety but to their 
father? Therefore I come to Thee, my Father, 
and pray Thee, be merciful to me, Thy child. 
O Father, protect me, shield me, preserve me. 
Under the shadow of Thy wings I seek refuge; 
hide me in Thy pavilion, place an angel guard 
around me, that no harm may touch me, no bolt 
strike me. 

O Lord Jesus, Thou Son of God, my only 
Mediator, Intercessor, and Saviour, be not far 
from me; for trouble is near. Make haste to 
help me; be my strong Defense; leave me not, 
neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. Be- 
hold, all help from creatures and men is vain; 
but O, do not Thou forsake me. Have mercy 
upon me and deliver me. I cling to Thee, O 
Jesus, I hide in Thy holy wounds, I cry out with 
the disciples, Lord, save us, we perish. 

O blessed Holy Spirit, stir up my heart to 
prayer and true devotion, that I may be awak- 
ened and made better by this storm. Grant that 
henceforth I may pay heed when Thou knockest 
at my heart through Thy holy Word, and callest 
on me to repent, to be converted, and to shun all 
manner of sin. Let me gladly hear Thy voice. 



During a Thunder-storm. 585 

and not be conformed to this world by sinful 
conversation and conduct. 

O Holy Trinity, have mercy upon me and upon 
all pious Christians. Shield my body and life, 
my house and home with Thy almighty hand; 
preserve the fruits in the field ; let not lightning 
set fire to my house, nor its bolt strike me. Be 
Thou my Stay in trouble ; for vain is the help of 
man. O mighty Defender of Thy children, look 
in mercy upon me, and let me dwell in safety 
beneath Thy defense and protection. When Thy 
thunder rolls, the mountains shake and the earth 
trembles; is it any wonder then, that I poor 
worm tremble before Thee? Let me recognize 
the transient character of the world, and remem- 
ber that all visible things shall be destroyed with 
fire; so that I may not offend Thee by yielding 
to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and 
the pride of life. 

O Lord, preserve me from sudden and evil 
death; let this storm pass by harmless. O God, 
who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in 
praises, doing wonders, and yet so merciful and 
gracious? O spare me, and let me once more 
find grace and deliverance. Lord God, the 
Father in heaven, have mercy upon us. Lord 
God the Son, Kedeemer of the world, have mercy 
upon us. Lord God the Holy Ghost, have mercy 



586 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

upon us. Be gracious unto us; spare us, good 
Lord. Be gracious unto us; help us, good Lord. 
From all calamity by fire and water, good Lord, 
deliver us. From sudden and evil death, good 
Lord, deliver us. Amen. 

HYMN. 

S. M. D. 

Give to the wind thy fears, 

Hope and be undismayed; 
God hears thy sighs, and counts thy tears, 

God shall lift up thy head. 
Through waves and clouds and storms 

He gently clears thy way: 
Wait thou His time, so shall this night 

Soon end in glorious day. 

Still heavy is thy heart? 

Still sinks thy spirit down? 
Cast off the weight, let fear depart, 

And every care be gone. 
What though thou rulest not, 

Yet heaven and earth and hell 
Proclaim, God sitteth on the throne, 

And ruleth all things well. 

Leave to His sovereign sway 

To choose and to command : 
So shalt thou wondering own, His way 

How wise, how strong His hand ! 
Far, far above thy thought 

His counsel shall appear, 
When fully He the work hath wrought 

That caused thy needless fear. 



After a Thunder-storm. 587 

Thou seest our weakness, Lord, 

Our hearts are known to Thee: 
O lift Thou up the sinking hand, 

Confirm the feeble knee. 
Let us in life, in death, 

Thy steadfast truth declare, 
And publish with our latest breath 

Thy love and guardian care. 

— Paul Gerhardt, 1656. 
John H esley, Tr. ijjg. 



THE CHRISTIAN THANKS GOD AFTER 
THE THUNDER-STORM IS PAST. 

MEDITATION. 

Job 37: 5. God thundereth marvelously with His 
voice ; great things doeth He, which we cannot un- 
derstand. 

AS all the works of the Lord are great, and 
calculated to fill the thoughful observer 
with admiration and pleasure; so also is 
a thunder-storm, if we consider it properly. 
Though it is produced by natural causes, it is 
nevertheless under the control of God. God 
thundereth marvelously. He rules the clouds 
that are big with vapor and fire. He guides 
them according to His good pleasure. He em- 
ploys them to carry out His designs; He lets 
them perform what is well-pleasing to Him. 

His thunder is therefore always terrible. Al- 
though men can by means of science produce 



588 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

electricity, they cannot approach even from afar 
the wonders which God brings to pass with thun- 
der and lightning. The flash and the roar are 
terrible to behold and hear. Men tremble in dis- 
may. The dumb cattle tremble and roar in 
affright. Every living creature is anxious and 
afraid. And what does God show by this means 
but His great power and majesty, by which He is 
able to set all things into commotion as soon as 
He causes His voice, rolling in the clouds, to be 
heard upon the earth? But God does still more 
by the storm. He doeth great things, which now 
bring damage, and again bring profit to men: 
damage, when the lightning destroys great trees, 
sets fire to houses, and strikes and kills men or 
beasts; profit, when by means of the mighty 
concussions he causes the hurtful vapors to rise 
from the earth, purifies the atmosphere, and in- 
creases the fruitfulness of the soil. 

Does not God reveal that He is a great and 
glorious God, when in so incomprehensible a 
manner He doeth such marvelous things? Well 
may all men, because they so frequently see these 
things, be admonished by them to a living knowl- 
edge and humble adoration of God. Yet this is 
not always the result. God thundereth marve- 
lously with His voice; but He is not always ac- 
knowledged. Most men are timid and despon- 
dent as long as they hear the uproar of the temp- 



After a Thunder-storm. 589 

est; but as soon as the storm is past, all its 
effect upon them is past also. They forget it all, 
and act just as if they had not heard the voice of 
God, nor heard what great things He had done 
for them. If the storm has done damage, they 
show a momentary sympathy with those who 
met with the loss. But shortly after the storm 
is past, they forget all about it, and forget God 
Himself. O hard hearts, that will not permit 
themselves to be softened! O criminal insensi- 
bility! O shameful ingratitude! 

Against such conduct true Christians are care- 
fully on their guard. They see and observe the 
works of nature attentively, and let these works 
lead them to the Creator. This they do in par- 
ticular when God thunders in the heavens. If 
they see a storm coming up, they admire the 
majesty, greatness, and glory of Him who brings 
it to pass. When they hear the thunder roll 
over their heads, and see the lightning flash 
around them, they quietly and trustfully commit 
themselves into the hands of the Lord, in whose 
care they always are; and in childlike confi- 
dence they await the best at His hands. When 
the storm has passed by harmless, they acknowl- 
edge what God has done for them, give thanks to 
Him, and praise His goodness and faithfulness 
with heart and lips and hands. 



590 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

This leads them nearer to God, and brings 
them nothing but salvation and blessing. Of 
this God Himself assures them, when He says : 
"Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth me; and to 
him that ordereth his conversation aright will I 
show the salvation of God." 

PRAYER. 

My soul fainteth for Thy salvation, O God of 
my salvation. Therefore I now draw near to 
Thy throne of grace and bring Thee my offering 
of praise and thanksgiving, because Thou hast 
so graciously delivered me out of trouble, terror, 
and danger. I trembled when I heard Thy 
mighty voice in the clouds, because I did not 
know what Thou wouldest do. I sought refuge 
in Thee by prayer, and committed myself and 
all that is mine to Thy Fatherly care. And Thou 
didst not cast me from Thee, but didst have com- 
passion on me, and show that Thou dealest 
bountifully with me. How easily Thy lightnings 
might have set fire to our houses and forests! 
How easily the storm might have destroyed the 
fruits of the field! How easily our goods and 
possessions might have been utterly destroyed! 
How easily Thou mightest have made us as Ad- 
mah, or dealt with us as with Zeboim ! And all 
this Thou mightest have done justly, if Thou 



After a Thunder-storm. 591 

hadst desired to deal with us according to our 
sins and reward us according to our iniquities. 

But this Thou hast not done. Thou hast re- 
membered us in love. Thou hast dealt with us 
in mercy. Thou hast withheld the punishment, 
and poured out benefits upon us. Thy loving- 
kindness has preserved us while we put our trust 
under the shadow of Thy wings, and enables us 
to dwell in safety once more. Thy goodness has 
kept us and Thy mercy has not failed us. This 
my soul perceives right well. Touched by this 
manifestation of Thy mercy, and filled with grat- 
itude, I bow before Thee, and say: Thou Lord, 
hast done great things for me; whereof I am 
glad. Give unto the Lord glory and strength. 
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. 
Fear before Him, all the earth. Make a joyful 
noise unto the Lord, all the earth : make a loud 
noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Let us come 
before His presence with thanksgiving: and 
make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. Let 
everything that has breath praise the Lord. 
Bless the Lord, O my soul also, and forget not 
all His benefits. 

I have seen, O great and almighty God, how 
Thou didst so graciously cause the heavy and ter- 
rible storm to pass by without doing harm. Let 
this manifestation of Thy goodness teach me to 



592 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

trust in Thee and to hope in Thy mercy in all 
the troubles which may yet come upon me. I 
behold again an unclouded sky ; O let me hence- 
forth ever taste and see that Thou art good. I 
have seen new evidences of Thy greatness and 
glory; O let these encourage me to regard Thee 
with childlike fear, to love Thee fervently, to 
adore Thee humbly, and to live as is well-pleas- 
ing in Thy sight. I have experienced anew Thy 
guardian care; O let it continue over me and 
mine, and over all men. 

If the storm which has passed over us has 
done damage and harm elsewhere, O have mercy 
upon those who have been injured. Give them 
grace to recognize that it was Thy hand which 
inflicted the blow, and to humble themselves 
under it. Do Thou comfort and strengthen 
them. Eeplace for them in some other way what 
they have lost. Let them soon hear joy and glad- 
ness, that the bones which Thou hast broken 
may rejoice. And grant me grace to make the 
right use of the gifts and possessions which Thou 
hast preserved to me, and which Thou hast, 
therefore, so to say, given to me anew. Let me 
receive my daily bread with thanksgiving. Let 
me manage my goods as a faithful steward. 
Grant that I may never misemploy them in dissi- 
pation or vanity, but use them at all times for 
Thy glory, to my own welfare, and the good 



After a Thunder-storm. 593 

of my fellow-man; and thus be enabled to give 
a joyful account to Thee. 

Watch over my possessions in the future also, 
and preserve them from harm. And though 
many a storm should yet come and threaten me 
with destruction, let me, undismayed, trust in 
Thy mercy, and confidently hope in Thy good- 
ness. Let me then experience, that he who 
trusteth in Thee shall not be put to confusion. 
Yea, if it should be Thy will to afflict me at some 
time through a storm, and to make me poor; O 
then do Thou first make me to be rich in spirit, 
that if I should lose all else, I may yet retain 
Thee and Thy fellowship and heaven. If I have 
heaveu, I have enough. 

O my Father, O my Saviour, O my Comforter ! 
Thou who dwellest in heaven, and who from 
thence didst vouchsafe to me, during the storm 
that has just passed, Thy protection and help; 
bring me also to Thyself into heaven, that I may 
see Thee face to face, and give Thee eternal 
thanks and praises. Teach me through Thy 
Word to walk in Thy ways, and to do whatever 
is well-pleasing to Thee. Lead me in the land 
of uprightness. Unite my heart to fear Thy 
name. Let me remain steadfast in faith, in love, 
and in hope, and not depart from the way of 
righteousness. Keep me faithful to the end, in 

38 



594 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

order that, when the Lord Jesus, on that great 
Day of Judgment, shall be manifest in flames of 
fire, in thunder and lightning, to measure out 
punishment upon those who have not known 
God nor obeyed His Gospel, I may not be dis- 
mayed, but may joyfully lift up my head, and 
enter into eternal life with Him. Ainen. 



HYMN. 

L. M. 

Thee we adore, eternal Lord, 
We praise Thy name with one accord. 
Thy saints, who here Thy goodness see, 
Through all the world do worship Thee. 

To Thee aloud all angels cry, 

The heaTens and all the powers on high : 

Thee, holy, holy, holy King, 

Lord God of Hosts, they ever sing. 

The apostles join the glorious throng; 
The prophets swell the immortal song; 
Thy martyrs' noble army raise 
Eternal anthems to Thy praise. 

From day to day, O Lord, do we 
Highly exalt and honor Thee! 
Thy name we worship and adore, 
World without end, for ever more. 

Vouchsafe, O Lord, we humbly pray. 
To keep us safe from sin this day; 
Have mercy, Lord, we trust in Thee ; 
O, let us ne'er confounded be. 

— John Gambold, 1754. 

Thomas Cotterill, Tr. 1825. a. 



When Starting on a Journey. 595 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS TO GOD WHEN 
STARTING UPON A JOURNEY. 

MEDITATION. 

Psalm 121 : 58. The Lord is thy keeper : the Lord 
is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not 
smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord 
shall preserve thee from all evil : He shall preserve thy 
soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy 
coming in from this time forth, and even for ever- 
more. 

VARIOUS reasons may impel a Christian to 
travel away from home, such as the de- 
mands of his business or occupation, the 
love of his fellow-men, or the condition of his 
health. Journeys induced by vanity or luxury 
are unbecoming to a child of God. But if there 
be a good reason why the Christian should ab- 
sent himself for a time from his home, he should 
(1) begin his journey with prayer, and remember 
that God will be with him wherever he may go 
in a strange country, and that He sees and hears 
all things. He should therefore conduct him- 
self honorably, and in a chaste, pious, and Chris- 
tian manner, as in God's presence. 

At the beginning of his journey, he should (2) 
commit himself to God's protection and care, and 
pray God to bring him back again in health and 
unharmed. For many persons have lost their 
life, or their health, or have met with misfortune 



596 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

upon a journey. (3) He should comniit those 
whom he leaves behind, as well as his house and 
property, to God's care, and pray God to let His 
holy angels keep guard over them, and protect 
them from fire, flood, and every misfortune. (4) 
He should pray God to let him find his prop- 
erty unharmed and his dear ones well when 
he returns. 

PRAYER. 

Gracious and merciful God, I have resolved in 
Thy name to be absent for a while from my dear 
ones and my home; and therefore I come to 
Thee and pray: O, bless my going out and my 
coming in. In Thy name I would begin my 
journey. Do Thou accompany me on my way, 
and bring me, safely guarded, back to my home 
again. Let Thy angel host surround and protect 
me like Jacob; let Thy angel support me in 
every danger like Paul; let Thy angels journey 
with me as with Joseph and Mary and the Child 
Jesus, that I may remain safe from misfortune, 
from thieves and murderers, and from harm of 
every kind. O Thou Keeper of Israel, who dost 
not slumber nor sleep, be by day and by night a 
wall of fire around me, as around Elisha, that no 
misfortune or harm may approach me. Give me 
early and late, in forest and field, Thy holy 
angels to guard and conduct me, as Thou didst 
conduct the children of Israel through the wil- 



When Starting on a Journey, 597 

derness by a pillar of cloud. Accompany me 
when I travel; remain with me when I rest; 
watch for me when I sleep. Yea, Lord, Lord, 
take care of me wherever I go, and let me enjoy 
Thy continual protection. 

Grant, O God, that every day the words which 
Thou spakest to Abraham, when He set out on 
his journey, may resound in my ears: "Walk 
before me, and be thou perfect;" so that I may 
ever be mindful of Thy holy presence while I 
am in a strange land. Preserve me, that I may 
not during my absence from home lust after evil 
things. Keep me from intemperance, vanity, 
impudence, malice, worldliness, sin, and shame. 
Help me to return home with a clean conscience. 
Turn my eyes away when they would look upon 
evil; draAV my thoughts aside when evil lusts 
would arise in my heart; and keep me from 
staining my body or my soul with sin. Help me 
to remember that Thou hearest all that I say, and 
seest all that I do; that wherever I go or stay, 
Thou goest and stayest also. And let this re- 
membrance preserve me from sinning against 
Thee and incurring Thy wrath and displeasure. 

I commend to Thy care all that I leave behind 
me. Protect my property from thieves, fire, and 
flood; and let me find it all safe and well-pre- 
served on my return. Watch over all my dear 
ones whom I leave behind. O my God, I leave 



S98 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

them, but do Thou remain with them. Ward off 
from them all harm, misfortune, and sickness, 
and let me find them well on my return. Be 
their Protector : preserve them, guide them, and 
guard them. Let me not hear any sorrowful tid- 
ings concerning them; but let them live as in 
Thy sight, and enjoy Thy protection and favor. 
And at the proper time let me return home safe, 
and find my dear ones in health. 

O Lord Jesus, who in the form of a traveler 
didst journey with Thy two disciples, be with me 
upon my journey also, and fill my heart with 
good thoughts. Give me pious companions, that 
we may not sin against Thee on the way by 
shameful and sinful conversation, but may think 
of Thee, and as in Thy presence speak of Thy 
goodness, of Thy wonderful works, of Thy faith- 
fulness and truth. O my God, in Thy name I 
have undertaken my journey; in Thy name let 
me happily conclude it ; and then, together with 
my dear ones, I will heartily praise and adore 
Thee all the days of my life. Amen. 

HYMN. 

C. M. 

O God of Jacob, by whose hand 

Thy people still are fed ; 
Who, through this weary pilgrimage, 

Hast all our fathers led! 



While in a Strange Land. 599 

To Thee our bumble vows we raise, 

To Thee address our prayer; 
Aud iu Thy kind aud faithful breast 

Deposit all our care. 

Through each perplexing path of life 
Our wandering footstep guide; 

Give us by day our daily bread, 
And raiment fit provide. 

O spread Thy covering wings around. 

Till all our wanderings cease, 
And at our Father's loved abode 

Our souls arrive in peace. 

To Thee, as to our covenant God, 

We'll our whole selves resign ; 
And thankful own. that all we are, 



And all we have, is Thine. 



Doddridge, 1755. a. 



PRAYER OF OXE WHO IS LIVING IX A 
STRANGE LAXD. 

FAR from my friends and acquaintances, I 
find myself in a strange land, where as 
jet I know but very few people. But I 
know Thee, O Jesus, Thou Son of the Highest, 
as my Immanuel, my Brother, and my best 
Friend. Therefore I now turn to Thee, and hum- 
bly beseech Thee to have mercy upon me and 



600 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

not forsake roe till I return to my home, yea, till 
I come to Thee in Thy heavenly kingdom. Thou 
hast given to Thine own the comforting assur- 
ance: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the 
end of the world." Fulfil this promise in me, 
and let me always and everywhere feel Thy gra- 
cious presence. 

Lord, Thou Thyself hast hallowed travel : for 
in Thy youth didst visit Jerusalem and other 
places, and during Thy public ministry didst 
journey to and fro in the Holy Land, doing good, 
and healing those who had fallen into the hands 
of Satan. O let me ever think of Thee, and, fol- 
lowing Thy example, never do anything in a 
strange land but that which is honest and pure 
and of good report, After Thy resurrection 
Thou didst accompany Thy disciples on the way 
to Emmaus, and at their request didst abide with 
them. O abide with me, and leave me not. Ke- 
main my Companion, my Protector, my Support, 
my Counselor, my Guide, my Deliverance. O 
Lord Jesus, let me find in every event that Thou 
art near me. Guard me against the company of 
wicked persons; and if I should find myself in 
their company, strengthen me lest I share in 
their sins or permit them to lead me into evil. 
Give me grace to resist all enticements and temp- 
tations, and to preserve a clean conscience. 



While in a Strange Land. 601 

Eaise up good and faithful friends in whom I 
may confide; and let me find profit and blessing 
in their society. 

Lord, take my soul and body into Thy keeping. 
Grant that I may not only retain my health of 
body, but may preserve my soul unstained by sin 
and my conscience undefiled. Bestow upon me 
through Thy Holy Spirit the contentment of 
Moses, the chastity of Joseph, the godliness of 
Samuel, and the temperance of Daniel. Give me 
prudence, that I may act wisely in all things. 
Incline my will to virtue, and let me exercise 
myself in it ; that here in this strange land I may 
acquire and retain a good name, and return home 
with the testimony of a good conscience and the 
assurance of Thy favor. Tame my passions, lest 
they involve me in strife and contention; and 
let me keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond 
of peace. 

Especially do Thou strengthen me, O my Sa- 
viour, to confess and glorify Thee before the 
world with heart and mouth. And should I be 
assailed on account of my faith, grant me grace 
to be ready always to give unto every one that 
asketh me a reason of the hope that is in me 
with meekness and fear, and not to permit my- 
self in any way to fall away from Thee, to deny 
Thy doctrine, or to be unfaithful. Let Thy Word 



602 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

ever be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my 
path. Then shall I always walk blamelessly and 
be able to stand before Thee. 

Keep me 'also, O merciful God, alive and well; 
and let me hear only good news from those whom 
I left at home. Bless me in the business which 
has brought me to this place, and crown all my 
undertakings with success. And when I shall 
have- accomplished the purpose for which I came, 
bring me back again joyful and happy to my dear 
ones. Then will I pay my vows to Thee, and 
without ceasing praise and magnify Thee for all 
the love and faithfulness which Thou hast shown 
unto me. Let me remember, however, after I 
have arrived at home, that I am a stranger and a 
sojourner on earth: in order that I may spend 
the days of my pilgrimage in such a manner as 
to reach at last my true and heavenly fatherland, 
and there dwell in Thy fellowship forever. Amen. 

HYMN. 

8, 7, 4, 7. 

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, 
Pilgrim through this barren land ; 

I am Aveak, but Thou art mighty, 
Hold me with Thy powerful hand; 

Bread of heaven, 
Feed me till I want no more. 

Open now the crystal fountain, 

Whence tlie healing streams do flow; 



White Stick among Strangers. 603 

Let the fiery, cloudy pillar, 

Lead me all my journey through : 

Strong Deliyerer, 
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield. 

When I tread the verge of Jordan, 

Bid my anxious fears subside : 
Death of death and hell's Destruction, 

Land me safe on Canaan's side : 
Songs of praises 



I will ever give to Thee. 



— Peter Williams. 1772. 



PRAYER OF ONE WHO IS SICK AMONG 
STRAXGERS. 

HOW mysterious are Thy ways, infinite 
God! how incomprehensible are Thy 
dealings with us! Thus I must say, O 
Lord, as I pray to Thee on this bed of sickness. 
When I went away from home I was well and 
strong, and now I am sick and wretched. On 
the road, and till I arrived here, I was sound and 
strong in body; but now I lie here weak and 
powerless. How easily things may change in a 
single day! 

O my God, let this sickness redound to my 
good. Let me learn from it how vain and tran- 
sient are human life, fortune, and prosperity 
here on earth ; so that I may never place my de- 



604 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

pendence nor set my heart on them, but may 
strive above all to attain those things which are 
eternal and imperishable. Teach me to number 
my days, that I may apply my heart unto wis- 
dom. Let me realize, that verily man at his best 
state is altogether vanity. I must, indeed, ac- 
knowledge and confess that my hardest trial 
lies in my separation from my dear ones, and 
the loss of their society and encouragement, and 
in the uncertainty whether I shall ever see them 
again. Yet I do not on this account grow de- 
spondent, but hope in Thee, O Father, who art 
with me here in this strange land, who carest 
for me, and who assuredly wilt not forget to 
watch over me. I therefore yield myself confi- 
dently to Thee, and say : Do with me as seemeth 
good in Thy sight. 

Above all things, have pity on my soul, and let 
it not perish. Turn Thou me, and I shall be 
turned. Heal Thou me and I shall be healed. 
Save Thou me, and I shall be saved. Mercifully 
pardon all the sins by which I have ever offended 
or grieved Thee. Forgive me for the sake of Thy 
dear Son, my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Strengthen 
my faith in Him, and let me ever in His name 
pray to Thee and seek the help which I need. 
Let Thy Holy Spirit work mightily in my heart, 
and make me to be here in time what Thou 
wouldest have me be there in eternity. Let the 



While Sick among Strangers. 605 

Holy Spirit bear witness with ruy spirit that I 
am a child of grace and an heir of eternal life. 

Give me the needful patience, that I may not 
murmur nor rebel against Thee, but may quietly 
accept and bear whatever Thou layest upon me. 
Thou, O Lord, givest power to the faint, and to 
them that have no might Thou increasest 
strength. Therefore deal with me according to 
Thy loving-kindness. If I should have much 
pain to endure, let me remember that it is still 
much less than I have deserved on account of my 
sins. If my sufferings should last long, grant 
me grace to be patient under them, and to wait 
for Thy hour of help and deliverance. And when 
that hour comes, let Thy grace gladden my heart. 

Do with me, O Lord, as Thou wilt. Thy will 
is best. Write this conviction in my heart: 
Teach me to pray with my Saviour, "Father, if 
it be possible, let this cup pass from me: never- 
theless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." If it be 
possible according to Thy will, let me grow well 
again : bless the medicine which I use, and let me 
gather strength day by day. Recompense those 
who have taken compassion on me, a stranger, 
and have faithfully cared for me ; be Thou their 
shield and exceeding great Reward. But should 
it please Thee not to restore me to health, and 
to let me find a grave in a strange land, grant 
me grace to submit my will completely to Thy 



606 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

good and gracious will. Let me remember that 
the whole earth is Thine, and that here, as well 
as at home, Thou Avilt be able to find my decayed 
body, and raise it to life again. 

Take my absent friends and relatives under 
Thy protection. Bless them in spiritual and 
bodily things. Let Thy Spirit lead and guide 
them in all their ways. And grant that we may 
all meet one another in a glad re-union above, 
and there together praise and glorify Thee. 
And now, Lord, I hope in Thee; I confidently 
believe that Thou wilt do all things well. In 
Thee alone, O God, do I put my trust. Amen. 

HYMN. 

C M. 

(X Lord, my best desire fulfil, 

And help me to resign 
Life, health, and comfort to Thy will, 

And make my pleasure Thine. 

Why should I shrink at Thy command, 
Whose love forbids my fears? 

Or tremble at the gracious Hand 
That wipes away my tears? 

No ! let me rather freely yield 

What most I prize to Thee, 
Who never hast a good withheld, 

Nor wilt withhold from me. 

Thy favor all my journey through 
Thou art engaged to grant; 



After Returning from a Journey. 607 

What else I want, or think I do, 
'Tis better still to want. 

— William Cowper, ij~g. 



THE CHRISTIAN THANKS GOD WHEN 

HE HAS RETURNED SAFE 

FROM A JOURNEY. 

PRAYER. 

LORD, Lord God, merciful and gracious, 
longsuffering, and abundant in goodness 
and truth, who art able to do abundantly 
above all that we ask or think, and who art rich 
in mercy toward those who hear Thee and walk 
in Thy ways ! Behold, I have by Thy grace hap- 
pily finished the journey which I began in Thy 
name. And now for the first time I come before 
Thee again in my own home. I have vowed that 
I would give Thee thanks ; and now I would pay 
my vow. O lift up my heart to Thee in fervent 
devotion, and incline Thine ear to my cry, my 
King and my God! 

I cannot conceal the fact, that I went away 
from home with my heart full of solicitude, and 
that I was almost afraid when I thought of the 
many dangers to which travelers are often ex- 
posed. And how easily an accident might have 
happened to me! How easily robbers and mur- 
derers might have fallen upon me, and robbed 



608 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

and murdered rue! How easily I might have 
met with an accident and lost my straightness 
and soundness of limb! How easily sickness, 
pain, and death might have overtaken me, and 
prevented the accomplishment of my purpose! 
How easily my house and home, my goods and 
property might have been damaged or destroyed 
in my absence ! But none of these things has 
happened. None of these misfortunes has be- 
fallen me. And this is due alone to Thy mighty 
protection, Thy Fatherly care, Thy gracious 
help, and Thy faithful guidance. To Thee alone 
also be praise, honor, and glory. 

Thou didst not only graciously shield me upon 
my journey against misfortune and accident, but 
didst bestow many benefits upon me while I trav- 
eled. Thou didst preserve my health; Thou 
gavest me faithful companions; Thou didst 
raise up for me everywhere good friends; Thou 
didst bless my business; Thou didst guard my 
property and preserve it unharmed till my re- 
turn; Thou didst keep my dear ones, and per- 
mit me to rejoin them in joy and gladness. O 
how great is Thy mercy ! How manifold are Thy 
benefits! How immeasurable are the riches of 
Thy grace and love! What shall I, and what 
can I render to Thee for all Thy benefits to me? 

O, I cannot repay Thee; I am too weak and 
powerless. But I thank Thee with heart and 



After Returning from a Journey. 609 

voice and hands for Thy goodness. Ten thous- 
and thanks I give to Thee, O Lord, for all Thy 
grace to me. Let ray poor, weak sacrifice of 
praise be acceptable to Thee for the sake of the 
perfect atoning sacrifice of Jesus. O Lord, gra- 
ciously accept the feeble praise which I offer 
Thee here on earth : in heaven I will give Thee 
nobler praise, and in the company of the holy 
angels I will sing a thousand thousand alle- 
luias to Thy name. 

And now that I am once more in the midst of 
my family, let me, O Lord, together with them, 
continue to enjoy Thy favor and blessing. Help 
me frequently to declare to them what great 
things Thou didst for me upon my journey, that 
they also may be encouraged to admire Thy 
faithfulness and love, and to trust in Thee with 
child-like confidence. Let me live with them 
in quietness and peace and true contentment as 
long as I shall remain here with them, and al- 
ways make it my chief concern that we should 
serve Thee in holiness and righteousness. Let 
me employ properly the blessings secured 
through my journey, regarding and using them 
always with thankful heart. And let me look 
upon all my coming days as a journey to eter- 
nity, and spend them in the grace of Thy holy 
Spirit, in the fear of God, in holiness, and in Thy 

39 



610 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

service. Give me grace to continue undiscour- 
aged on my pilgrimage to my heavenly father- 
land, and successfully to overcome everything 
that would bar my progress. 

And when, at last, I shall have finished my 
course, receive me into Thine eternal heavenly 
kingdom, and grant me the rest which Thou hast 
appointed and prepared for Thy people in the 
world to come. There I will praise and thank 
Thee as I ought. There I will extol Thy good- 
ness and truth for evermore. Amen. 

HYMN. 

L. M. 

My God, my King, Thy various praise 
Shall fill the remnant of my days : 
Thy grace employ my humble tongue, 
Till death and glory raise the song. 

The wings of every hour shall bear 
Some thankful tribute to Thine ear; 
And every setting sun shall see 
New works of duty done for Thee. 

But who can speak Thy wondrous deeds? 
Thy greatness all our thoughts exceeds ; 
Vast and unsearchable Thy ways, 
Vast and immortal be Thy praise. 

— Watts, 1719. 



W 



In Time of War. 611 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS IN TIME OF WAR, 

MEDITATION. 

Lament. 1 : 20 ; 2 : 4, 5, 21. Behold, O Lord ; for 1 
am in distress : my bowels are troubled : mine heart is 
turned within me ; for I have grievously rebelled : 
abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death. 
He hath bent His bow like an enemy. He hath swal j 
lowed up all her palaces. The young and the old lie 
on the ground in the streets : my virgins and my young 
men are fallen by the sword. 

THE three plagues through which God, 
when He is angry, lays whole countries 
and cities waste and desolate are war, 
famine and pestilence (Jer. 34 : 17). War is a 
dreadful punishment; for when God removes 
His protection from a country, the enemy at 
once overruns it. The reasons why God pun- 
ishes a country with war and desolation are 
various : (1) Disobedience (Isa. 1 : 19, 20). (2) 
Wickedness: when men live in the lusts of the 
flesh, and remove the fear of God from before 
their eyes, (Judg. 4:1; 6 : 1, 3). (3) Despising 
God's Word: when men either will not hear it 
at all, or will not live according to it, (Lev. 26 : 
17). (4) Idolatry (Judg. 2 : 12-14) : and this idol- 
atry may be gross or subtle. In the latter case 
it includes voluptuousness, adultery, murder, 
shedding innocent blood, oppression of stran- 
gers and widows, and robbery of the poor. 



612 Prayer* for Special Occasion*. 

When God thus calls on the sword to punish 
men (Jer. 15 : 6), He also turns the edge of their 
sword (Ps. 89 : 43), so that even with a large 
army they cannot stand in the battle, but must 
flee before their foes (Ps. 11 : 10) ; and their land 
is plundered, oppressed, and filled with misery 
and wretchedness. 

PRAYER. 

justly offended God! We come with 
anxious heart and bended knees into Thy all-holy 
presence, and lament the great wretchedness to 
which our great sins and Thy just anger haye 
brought us. Lord, Lord, we liyed in safety be- 
neath Thy protection, and no sword dared 
threaten us as long as Thou wast an enemy unto 
our enemies and an adversary unto our adver- 
saries. We passed peacefully in and out of our 
gates, and enjoyed the fruits of our land undis- 
turbed. But now, O great God, Thou hast re- 
moved Thy protection, and hast taken away our 
peace from us. The foe has come, and drawn the 
sword, and threatens to burn and plunder and 
destroy our cities, and take possession of our 
land. 

And what shall we say in our distress? We 
must confess that we haye long ago deserved 
punishment and chastisement. We have. alas, 
abused the good days of peace When we should 



In Time of War. 613 

have been ouilt up in Thee, and walked in Thy 
fear, and served Thee, and been obedient to Thee, 
there was found among us, alas, the desecration 
of the Sabbath, the taking of Thy name in vain, 
unrighteousness, carnal security, malice, and the 
most dreadful vices. We are ashamed, O angry 
God, to recount all our abominations; for they 
cry out unto heaven. merciful God, remem- 
ber not our sins, which are countless as the 
sands on the seashore, but according to Thy 
mercy remember Thou us for Thy goodness' 
sake, O Lord. 

We do not present our supplications before 
Thee for our righteousnesses, but for Thy great 
mercies. We have sinned, we have done evil, 
we have been wicked and reprobate, and have 
forsaken Thy commandments. O Lord, rebuke 
us not in Thine anger, neither chasten us in Thy 
hot displeasure. We flee to the throne of Thy 
grace, to Jesus Christ, our only Helper and In- 
tercessor. O look upon His blood and wounds. 
O God of mercy, have mercy upon us. If Thou 
wilt deal with us according to our sins and Thy 
justice, then shall the enemy destroy us, and de- 
vour and burn and subjugate our land; and 
none can save us. O mighty Defender of the 
needy, arise, and let not men gain the dominion. 
Thou canst give us strength for the battle, and 
cast down before us those who oppose us. In 



614 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

Thee alone is our trust and hope in this time of 
great trouble. Surely the wrath of man shall 
praise Thee. 

O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? 
shall the enemy blaspheme Thy name forever, 
as though none could deliver us out of his hand? 
Save us, God of our Salvation, and forgive us 
our sins for Thy name's sake. Take away cour- 
age from the enemy, and drive him out from our 
country ; and watch over our land and our houses 
and homes. Let peace speedily shine upon us 
again, and ward off the dangers which impend 
over us. Lord, Thou art He who breakest the 
bow, and cuttest the spear in sunder, and burn- 
est the chariot in the fire. loving God, hear 
the cry of those who are even now in danger 
and in the hands of the enemy, and must endure 
shame and cruelty. Have mercy upon the poor, 
the widows, the aged, and the children, who 
cannot flee. Bring the hurtful war to a speedy 
close, and hear our prayer for Thy love and 
mercy's sake. Amen. 



HYMN. 



Dread Jehovah, God of nations, 
From Thy temple in the skies 

Hear Thy people's supplications, 
Now for their deliverance rise. 



8, 7. 



After the Restoration of Peace. 615 

Lo, with deep contrition turning, 

Humbly at Thy feet we bend ; 
Hear us, fasting, praying, mourning, 

Hear us, spare us, and defend. 

Though our sins, our hearts confounding, 
Long and loud for vengeance call, 

Thou hast mercy more abounding; 
Jesus' blood can cleanse them all. 

Let that Love veil our transgression, 
Let that Blood our guilt efface : 

Save Thy people from oppression, 
Save from spoil Thy holy place. 

— Rev. C E , 1804. 



THE CHRISTIAN THANKS GOD FOR THE 
RESTORATION OF PEACE. 

MEDITATION. 

Psalm 46: 8-11. Come, behold the works of the 
Lord, what desolations He hath made in the earth. 
He maketh wars to cease unto the ends of the earth; 
He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; 
He burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know 
that I am God : I will be exalted among the heathen, 
I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is 
with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 

WHEN a bloody war has devastated a 
land, no gladder message can ring out 
than this : There is peace. The exiled 
return to their homes, the banished have hope of 
regaining their own, the land quickly recuper- 



616 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

ates and blossoms in joy because it is no longer 
trampled under the foot of the foe. 

The Christian recognizes that the gift of peace 
is from above, and therefore with heart and 
voice he (1) praises God. who has put an end to 
the destruction, the robbery, the plundering, the 
slaughter, the burning, and has freed the inhab- 
itants of the land from the fear and dominion of 
the enemy. (2) He thanks God. that in the peri- 
lous days of war he and his were protected and 
not given as a spoil into the hands of the enemy. 
(3) He acknowledges that peace is glorious like 
the sun which gladdens everything, and like the 
dew which refreshes. (4) He prays God to make 
the peace permanent, and to restrain those who 
would disturb it. (5) He employs the days of 
peace, not for a life of voluptuousness and sin- 
ful pleasures, but for the purpose of increasing 
in true religion, and serving God undisturbed 
and unhindered. 

PRAYER. 

Lord. Lord, gracious, and merciful, and abun- 
dant in goodness! In Thy just judgment upon 
us for abusing the good days of the former peace. 
Thou tookest away that peace from our land. 
and broughtest a bloody war upon us. Thou 
sentest our enemies upon us as a punishment. 
These drew the sword, slew, desolated the land. 
and filled us with fear and terror. But although 



The Restoration of Peace. 617 

we deserved that this war should have destroyed 
us utterly, yet in Thy wrath Thou didst remem- 
ber mercy, and didst put into the minds of the 
opposing rulers thoughts of peace. For this we 
give Thee heart-felt, joyful thanks. The heads of 
the opposing armies have agreed upon terms of 
peace. At Thy command the sword returns to 
its sheath, the exiles return, and once more we 
are able to go in and out of our gates without 
fear of danger. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; 
praise thy God, O Zion. For He hath strength- 
ened the bars of thy gates ; He hath blessed thy 
children within Thee; He maketh peace in thy 
borders. 

What a precious treasure is the peace over 
which the whole land now rejoices! To-day 
Thou renewest to us Thy promise: a Ye shall 
dwell in your land safely. And I will give peace 
in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall 
make you afraid; neither shall the sword go 
through your land." O Lord, grant that this 
peace may last as long as we live, Lift up Thy 
countenance upon us, and give us peace as a 
precious part of Thy divine blessing upon Thy 
people. Let our peace be like a river that never 
runs dry, but flows without ceasing. Let right- 
eousness and peace always kiss each other, and 
righteousness look down from heaven. 



618 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

Grant us Thy Holy Spirit, that we may not 
abuse this precious peace by luxury, intemper- 
ance, and carnal security, but seek our spiritual 
edification, and walk in the fear of the Lord. 
Bless and restore the desolated land; and let 
Thy thoughts toward us be always thoughts of 
peace. And at the end of our days, let us depart 
from this world in peace, and be received into 
the habitations of peace above. Amen. 

HYMN. 

6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6. 
(Herr Gott, wir danken dir.) 

Lord God, we worship Thee! 

In loud and happy chorus 
We praise Thy love and power, 

Whose goodness reigneth o'er us. 
To heaven our song shall soar, 

Forever shall it be 
Resounding o'er and o'er, 

Lord God, we worship Thee. 

Lord God, we worship Thee! 

For Thou our land def endest ; 
Thou pourest down Thy grace, 

And strife and war Thou endest 
Since golden peace, O Lord, 

Thou grantest us to see, 
Our land with one accord, 

Lord God, gives thanks to Thee. 

Lord God, we worship Thee! 
Thou didst indeed chastise us ; 



In Time of Famine. 619 

Yet still Thy anger spares, 
And still Thy mercy tries us: 

Once more our Father's hand 
Doth bid our sorrows flee, 

And peace rejoice our land : 
Lord God, we worship Thee. 

Lord God, we worship Thee! 

And pray Thee, who hast blessed us, 
That we may live in peace, 

And none henceforth molest us : 
O crown us with Thy love; 

Fulfil our cry to Thee: 
O Father, grant our prayer: 

Lord God, we worship Thee. 

— John Frank, 1653. 

Miss Winkworth, Tr. 1862. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS IN TIME OF 
FAMINE. 

MEDITATION. 

Ezek. 4: 16. Son of man, behold, I will break the 
staff of bread in Jerusalem : and they shall eat bread 
by weight and with care ; and' they shall drink water 
by measure, and with astonishment. 

AS animals are disciplined by hunger in 
order to train them, so men are subdued 
by God through hunger when they will 
not otherwise be obedient to Him. He endeav- 
ors for a long time to attract them to Himself 
by His benefactions. But if they will not let 



620 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

His goodness lead them to repentance, He sends 
famine into the land, either through failure of 
the harvest, or through war, or through the 
scarcity and high cost of food, or by depriving 
the bread of its nourishing properties, so that 
men eat and are not satisfied. 

This punishment is sent generally: (1) When 
men make light of the Word of God, and are 
only concerned to live a life of pleasure (Isa. 5 : 
13). (2) When men persecute the godly (Jer. 11 : 
22). (3) When men eagerly listen to the voice 
of false prophets (Jer. 14 : 15, 16), or (4) are ob- 
stinate (Jer. 24 : 10), or (5) remain disobedient 
(Ezek. 4 : 16), or (6) oppress the lowly (II Sam. 
21 : 1, 2). Famine carries in its train poverty, 
misery, and starvation, so that parents have been 
known, for very hunger, to eat their own chil- 
dren. (7) If to this famine is added the spiritual 
famine spoken of in Amos 8:11, the famine is 
unspeakably great. 

PRAYER. 

O righteous God! who renderest to every 
man according to his deeds, and lettest wrath, 
tribulation, and anguish come upon those that 
do evil; we come into Thy holy presence, 
ashamed of having sinned against Thee so 
greatly that Thou art obliged to bring us to 
prayer and obedience through famine. 



In Time of Famine. 621 

O how abundantly Thou didst feed us in the 
years that are gone! We had bread in great 
plenty; the earth bore the best and loveliest 
fruit. These gifts should have been bands of 
love to draw us to Thee, the Giver, and to lead 
us to repentance. But how shamefully these 
gifts have been abused by intemperance, luxury, 
and extravagance; yea, so shamefully abused 
that the creature itself sighed over the graceless 
manner in which it was received by unthankful 
men ! Is it a wonder then, that a fertile land be- 
comes barren on account of the sins of those who 
dwell therein? Thou punishest us with famine, 
dearth, and drought, and makest the earth bring 
forth sparingly, and the land to suffer from 
want. Lord, hear the cry of the poor who cry 
for bread and are not satisfied. Let the whining 
of the children, the lamentations of the parents, 
and the misery which dwells in every home in 
city and country, move Thee to pity. It seems as 
though Thou hast taken the blessing from our 
food; for we eat, and are not satisfied; we eat, 
and yet almost die of hunger. And the cattle, 
the dumb creatures, cry out to their Maker for 
food. 

O Lord, Lord, merciful and gracious, long-suf- 
fering, and abundant in goodness, have mercy 
upon us, and return to us again with the blessing 
which Thou hast taken away. Thy river is full 



622 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

of water ; therefore visit the earth and water it. 
Let heaven hear the cry of the earth, and do 
Thou Thyself hear us from Thy sanctuary. Let 
the famine cease, turn unto us again in mercy. 
Satisfy the hungry, gladden the poor, bless the 
little bread which we have, and which we daily 
eat by weight and with care. Now we realize 
that we cannot live by bread alone, but chiefly 
by the word of blessing which proceedeth out 
of Thy mouth, and by which Thou puttest 
strength into our food. Let the fields soon be 
covered again with grain; multiply our small 
supply of meal like that of the widow of Sarepta ; 
let the small supply be sufficient to support 
many. And meanwhile let Thy Word ever be 
our food and nourishment; for it is our heart's 
rejoicing, and sweeter than honey and the honey- 
comb. And for Thy grace we will laud and 
praise Thee all our days. Amen. 



HYMN. 

(Wenn wir in hochsten Nothen sein.) 



L. M. 



When in the hour of utmost need 
We know not where to look for aid: 
When days and nights of anxious thought 
Nor help nor counsel yet have brought : 

Then this our comfort is alone, 
That we may meet before Thy throne, 



In Time of Famine. 623 

And cry, O faithful God, to Thee 
For rescue from our destiny : 

To Thee may raise our hearts and eyes, 
Kepenting sore with bitter sighs, 
And seek Thy pardon for our sin, 
And respite from our griefs within. 

For Thou hast promised graciously 
To hear all those who cry to Thee, 
Through Him whose name alone is great, 
Our Saviour and our Advocate. 

And thus we come, O God, to-day, 
And all our griefs before Thee lay ; 
For tried, afflicted, lo, we stand, 
With want and woe on every hand. 

Ah, hide not for our sins Thy face ; 
Absolve us through Thy boundless grace; 
Be with us in our anguish still, 
Free us at last from every ill. 

That so with all our hearts may we 
Once more with joy give thanks to Thee, 
And walk obedient to Thy Word, 
And now and ever praise the Lord. 

— Paul Eber, 1560. 

Miss IVinkworth, Tr. 1858. a. 



624 Prayers for Special Occasions. 



THE CHBISTIAN PRAYS IN TIME OF PES- 
TILENCE. 

MEDITATION. 

Deut. 28: 15, 21, 22. But it shall come to pass, if 
thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy 
God, to observe to do all His commandments and His 
statutes which I command you this day ; that all these 
curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee. The 
Lord shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, un- 
til He have consumed thee from off the land, whither 
thou goest to possess it. The Lord shall smite thee 
with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an in- 
flammation, and with an extreme burning, and with 
the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and 
they shall pursue thee until thou perish. 

IF, according to Rom. 2 : 8, 9, wrath, tribula- 
tion, and anguish shall come upon those 
that do evil, there must be included in that 
anguish contagious diseases and pestilence. 
These come, to a large extent (1) When men do 
not believe the word of warning and admonition 
(Num. 14: 12). (2) When they serve God only 
outwardly and not from the heart ( Jer. 14 : 12), 
or (3) are wholly disobedient to God (Jer. 24 : 10 : 
27 : 9), or (4) despise the servants of God (Jer. 29 : 
17). (5) When the people become insolent and 
unruly (Ezek. 14 : 10). (6) When adultery and 
murder run riot (Ezek. 33 : 26, 27). (7) When no 
calls to repentance are any longer heeded (Amos 
4 : 10). (8) On account of adultery (Numb. 25 : 



In Time of Pestilence. 625 

9). (9) On account of blasphemy (II Kings 19 : 
35). 10) On account of pride (II Sam. 24 : 15), 
and other sins also. 

Where this punishment is inflicted, it is neces- 
sary for men to repent. For God in His mercy 
may be entreated. And for this reason David 
chose from among the three plagues that of the 
pestilence. 

PRAYER. 

Strong and almighty God ! Great is Thy wrath 
against wilful transgressors, who will not let 
Thy goodness lead them to repentance. For a 
time Thou dealest with the children of men like 
a loving Father, seeking by Thy long-suffering 
to draw them to Thyself. But when they wan- 
tonly abuse Thy grace, Thou manifestest Thy- 
self as a stern Judge. 

This we also now experience, O righteous God. 
We are informed that in many places a conta- 
gious disease is raging and carrying off many 
thousands of people, so that the dead are found in 
nearly every house, and hands are lacking to bury 
them. We are consumed by Thine anger, and by 
Thy wrath are we troubled. Have we not reason 
to fear that Thou mayest bring the disease into 
our midst also? Thou jealous God, we dare by no 
means imagine that those whom Thou hast made 
to feel the severity of Thy rod are sinners above 

40 



626 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

others, but must rather confess that we all de- 
serve to perish even as they. Among us also may 
be found carnal security, contempt of Thy Word, 
contumacy, luxury, fornication, unrighteousness, 
sinful pleasures, pride ; yea, there is scarcely any 
fear of God in the land. The godly man ceaseth, 
and the faithful fail from among the children of 
men. If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, 
O Lord, who shall stand? 

When Thou saidst, Seek ye my face, my heart 
said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. 
Thou desirest not the death of the sinner, but 
that the sinner turn from his way and live. 
Therefore we abhor ourselves, and repent in 
dust and ashes. Have mercy upon us according 
to Thy loving kindness ; according unto the mul- 
titude of Thy tender mercies blot out our trans- 
gressions. We have followed the sins of our 
fathers, we have not dealt righteously, we have 
been ungodly. O command Thy angel of death, 
who wields the avenging sword, to withhold his 
arm ; and say to him, It is enough. Let us live, 
and we will praise Thy name. Though we are 
not worthy of Thy grace, we are yet in need of 
it. Though we are all children of death, Thou 
hast promised to be merciful to the penitent. O 
then, bestow Thy grace upon us, and grant us 
life for the sake of Jesus, our only Mediator and 
Intercessor. Have mercy, have mercy upon us, 



In Time of Pestilence. 627 

Thou God of mercy. Be gracious unto us ; spare 
us, good Lord. Be gracious unto us, help us, O 
Lord God. 

Have mercy upon the poor and needy who 
have been attacked by the pestilence ; who suffer 
hunger and privation; who lack all care; and 
who are forsaken by all men. Support them 
with Thy consolations; and let Thy Spirit bear 
witness with their spirit that they are Thy chil- 
dren, even though they die of this pestilence. O 
Lord, hear our prayer; protect our country. 
Then will we say: The Lord hath done great 
things for us. Yea, Lord, Thou canst deliver 
all who call upon Thee. Amen. 



HYMN. 

O God, our Befuge strong and great, 
Our Fortress and our Tower! 

We flee for pardon to Thy Grace, 
For succor to Thy Power. 

Forgive us, Lord, for Jesus' sake, 
Cease from Thine anger sore; 

Let righteousness and mercy kiss, 
Pour out Thy wrath no more. 

Within Thy secret place, Most High, 

Let us forever hide, 
And underneath Thy shadow. Lord, 

Forever safe abide. 



c. M. 



628 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

The pestilence in darkness walks, 
Destruction wastes at noon; 

Ten thousand fall at our right hand: 
O Lord, defend Thine own! 

Bid Thine avenging angel sheathe 
His angry, reeking sword; 

And let his fatal arrows fall 
All harmless at Thy word. 

Heal us, O Lord; save us, O Lord; 

Command the plague to flee: 
Then shall our hearts and lips upraise 



A grateful song to Thee. 



1903. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS DURING A CON- 
FLAGRATION. 

MEDITATION. 

Amos 7 : 4-6. And behold, the Lord called to con- 
tend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did 
eat up a part. Then said I, O Lord God, cease, I be- 
seech Thee : by whom shall Jacob arise ? for he is small. 
The Lord repented for this. This also shall not be. 
saith the Lord God. 

FROM this passage of Scripture we learn in 
particular three things. First this, that 
God has a hand in the events which be- 
fall men. This is true also of conflagrations. 
Therefore the prophet says : The Lord called to 
contend by fire. God does this immediately 



During a Conflagration. 629 

when He sets forests and houses on fire by light- 
ning. He does it mediately when he permits 
fires to originate through incendiaries, or 
through the imprudence or carelessness of men. 
When a Christian hears, therefore, that fire has 
broken out in the place in which he lives, he 
concludes : This is not a mere accident, but this 
the Lord has done. Shall there be evil in a city, 
and the Lord hath not done it? The Christian 
remembers that he too is under the mighty hand 
of God, and that God may see fit to afflict him 
also at this time. He bows before God there- 
fore, and beseeches Him to protect and guard 
him. He commends himself to God in childlike 
confidence, believing that all things shall work 
together for good to them that love God. 

Secondly, we learn from this passage of Scrip- 
ture, that God often employs fire to punish and 
chasten men. For the prophet says : "The Lord 
God called to contend by fire, and it devoured the 
great deep, and did eat up a part." God pun- 
ishes the sins of men. And He must punish 
them, both because He is holy and hates sin, and 
also because He is just and must fulfil the threats 
of punishment and chastening which He has 
made against the disobedient and wicked. And 
God actually does punish men on account of 
their sins, either individually or as a body. He 
punishes them individually, when He lays 



630 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

crosses and sickness upon them, withdraws His 
blessing from them, and lets them suffer various 
distresses. Thus they are made to feel what it 
means to forsake the Lord, and not to live in 
His fear. But if this chastening does not pro- 
duce the fruits of repentance, God sometimes 
manifests His wrath by sending plagues upon 
the whole community. For this purpose He fre- 
quently employs fire, and through it spreads ter- 
ror through entire districts, and often works 
great havoc. 

Among the sins which God punishes in this 
way is the desecration of the Sabbath, — the em- 
ployment of the day, not for His service, but for 
sinful pleasures, as we learn from Jer. 17 : 27. 
Another sin thus punished is ingratitude for the 
great and innumerable mercies of God, as may 
be seen from Num. 11 : 1. Again obstinate im- 
penitence is sometimes punished thus, as may be 
seen from the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, re- 
corded in Gen. 19. A Christian should therefore 
be extremely careful to avoid these sins, in order 
that He may not provoke God to punish him and 
his brethren with fire. And when he hears of a 
conflagration that has started, he must regard 
it as a well-deserved judgment of God. He must 
remember his sins, and repent, lest the rod of 
God smite him also. He must permit himself to 



During a Conflagration. 63l 

be aroused by the fire to repentance and a bet- 
tering of bis life, and to the promise and actual 
rendering of a new obedience. 

Finally we learn from this passage, that God 
may be moved by an earnest and fervent prayer 
to turn His wrath into favor. For the prophet 
says: a O Lord God, cease, I beseech Thee: by 
whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. The 
Lord repented for this : This also shall not be, 
saith the Lord God." Thus God was moved, by 
the humble intercession of the prophet for the 
people, to regard them again with favor, to turn 
his thoughts of wrath into thoughts of peace to- 
ward them, to have mercy upon them, and to 
cease from punishing them with fire. The effec- 
tual, fervent prayer of the righteous man still 
availeth much. And when a conflagration has 
broken out, the Christian should seek refuge in 
prayer. He should commit himself and all that 
is his to the oversight and protection of God. 
He should earnestly pray for those upon whom 
the misfortune of fire has fallen, or who are im- 
mediately threatened by it. He should believ- 
ingiy, fervently, and unceasingly sigh : a O Lord, 
cease from Thy punishment; for who else can 
help but Thou?" Then shall he obtain mercy, 
and find grace to help in time of need. 



632 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

PRAYER. 

Lord, Lord, Thou art infinitely good and kind ; 
but Thou art also a terrible God when Thou art 
angry and manifestest Thy displeasure by judg- 
ments upon men. I do not now behold Thy 
countenance gracious as I have so often beheld 
it at other times. Now I see that thou art angry. 
And who can stand before Thine anger or shield 
himself against Thy hot displeasure? On every 
side I hear tumult, and cries, and lamentation, 
and weeping. My heart quails ; my strength has 
forsaken me ; my soul is affrighted. A conflagra- 
tion is raging, and without Thy will and permis- 
sion it would not be doing so. I am indeed, not 
yet aware of the actual origin of this fire. But 
this I know, that my and my fellow-men's ini- 
quities and sins are the real cause of it. Our 
sins have come before Thee. They have ex- 
hausted the long-suffering with which Thou hast 
forborne so long, and have brought Thy punish- 
ment upon us, to show us that Thou art not a 
God that hath pleasure in wickedness, neither 
shall evil dwell with Thee. 

Lord, Lord, we are sinners, great sinners, who 
have deserved Thy wrath. We do not hide our 
iniquity. We confess that we have sinned against 
heaven and in Thy sight, and are no more worthy 
to be called Thy children. We behold before us 



During a Conflagration. 633 

Thy fiery indignation, and know that Thou 
couldst in a few moments utterly destroy us. 
But O Lord, do not do so. Cease from Thine 
anger. In Thy wrath remember the mercy which 
Thou hast promised to those who seek Thy face. 
Do not think only of our sins, but think also and 
much more of the precious and all-sufficient 
atonement of Thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
For His sake spare us, and reward us not accord- 
ing to our works. Quench Thy fiery indignation 
in the blood of the Lamb. O heavenly Father, 
look upon the sufferings of Christ. He is the 
propitiation for our sins and for the sins of the 
whole world. And for His sake we beseech Thee 
to have mercy upon us. 

In this hour of distress and trouble I lean 
upon Thy mercy, and turn to Thee for help and 
deliverance. I commit myself and my family, 
my house, my property, and all that Thou hast 
given me to Thy care and protection. Extinguish 
the flames before they gain the upperhand. 
Quench them before they approach my house. 
Strengthen me in faith, in trust, and in the hope 
of Thy mercy ; and let me not grow faint-hearted, 
even if the danger should come nearer. If the 
flames should come nigh my dwelling, grant me 
prudence and common sense, so that I may con- 
duct myself in such a manner as will redound 
to Thy glory and my own best interests. And 



(534 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

when all is happily past, I will praise Thy name, 
and declare without ceasing what srreat things 
Thou hast done for me. 

Have mercy also on those, O God, who must 
now look on while the flames devour their houses 
and goods. Fill their heart with good courage, 
and let them hope in Thee. Be Thou their strong 
Shield and Help in the great trouble which has 
befallen them; and mercifully deliver them. 
Have compassion on those who are threatened by 
danger. Command the flames to cease raging 
and to spare their dwelling. Speak but the word, 
and it shall be done. Eemember Thy precious 
promise : "When thou walkest through the fire, 
thou shalt not be burned ; neither shall the flame 
kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord Thy God, 
the Holy One of Israel, Thy Saviour." Remem- 
ber Thy promise, and fulfil it in mercy. 

Bless the means which have been provided for 
extinguishing the fire, and let them accomplish 
the desired result. Fill all those who run to the 
rescue with true love for those in distress, with 
tender pity for them, and with Thy fear, so that 
they may faithfully assist and help the afflicted 
ones. And if wicked men should appear upon 
the scene to rob and plunder, move their hearts 
with compassion, that they may desist from 
their wicked purpose and may not further grieve 
and injure those who have already met with loss. 



During a Con flag ration. 635 

Bring our troubles to a speedy end. Let order 
and quietness be restored within our walls. Do 
Thou Thyself extinguish the smouldering flames, 
that they may not break out again. 

O Lord, grant that we may be humbled by this 
judgment which Thou hast visited upon us, and 
be taught henceforth to dread Thy wrath, and 
no longer wilfully to transgress Thy command- 
ments, but rather to walk before Thee in holiness 
and righteousness all our days. Graciously 
hear my prayer and that of all other Christians, 
and send us deliverance. Then will we praise 
and magnify Thee for this and all Thy great mer- 
cies, here in time and there in eternity. Amen. 



HYMN. 

C. M. 

And art thou with us, gracious Lord, 

To dissipate our fear? 
Dost Thou proclaim Thyself our God, 

Our God for ever near? 

Doth Thy right hand, which formed the earth, 

And bears up all the skies, 
Stretch from on high its friendly aid, 

When dangers round us rise? 

And wilt Thou lead our weary souls 

To that delightful scene, 
Where rivers of salvation flow 

Through pastures ever green. 



636 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

On Thy support our souls shall lean, 

And banish every care: 
The gloomy vale of death shall smile, 

If God be with us there. 

While we His gracious succor prove 

'Midst all our various ways, 
The darkest shades through which we pass 

Shall echo with His praise. 

— Dodridge, 1755. 



THE CHKISTIAN PKAYS WHEN HE HAS 
MET WITH LOSS BY FIRE. 

MEDITATION. 

Job 1 : 21. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath 
taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord. 

THESE are the noble words which Job ut- 
tered when, in quick succession, the sad 
tidings of the different misfortunes which 
destroyed his children and his earthly property 
reached him. Among these tidings was this: 
"The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath 
burned up the sheep, and the servants, and con- 
sumed them." Even this dreadful news did not 
dismay him, nor cause him to lose his self-posses- 
sion. And he furnishes an excellent example for 
Christians who have suffered loss through fire. 
Christians should learn from the example of 






After Loss by Fire. 637 

the godly and imitate them. St. Paul writes, 
Kom. 15:14, "Whatsoever things were written 
aforetime were written for our learning, that we 
through patience and comfort of the Scriptures 
might have hope." 

When Christians therefore, in accordance with 
the hidden and just counsel of God, are made to 
suffer the loss of earthly property, they should 
retain their composure, and endeavor to imitate 
the example of Job. That pious man not only 
accepted everything at God's hands with resig- 
nation, but committed himself trustfully to 
God's will and purposes. Christians should do 
the same. They should, therefore, observe the 
following duties : First, they should believe that 
God has not forsaken them, but should draw near 
to Him in childlike humility, asking Him for 
other and new blessings. Secondly, they should 
keep up their courage when they see how much 
less they possess than formerly, and pray and 
work all the more diligently, believing that God 
will amply compensate them for that which they 
have lost. Thirdly they should trust firmly in 
God, and rest assured that He can find a thou- 
sand ways in which to make good the loss which 
they have sustained ; and that in His great faith- 
fulness He will certainly do so after He has at- 
tained in them the purposes which He designed 
by afflicting them. 



638 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

If Christians who have met with loss through 
fire conduct themselves in this manner, they 
shall experience without fail that it is an easy 
thing for God to bless them again with earthly 
goods, and that He will take away their poverty, 
and deal with them in such a manner as shall 
constrain them to exclaim at last : Blessed be 
the name of the Lord. 

PRAYER. 

Lord, almighty God ! How dreadful a thing it 
is to fall into Thy hands! How unendurable is 
Thy wrath when Thou lettest it fall upon men. 
We have experienced this truth in the conflagra- 
tion with which Thou hast visited us, and by 
which Thou hast taken away from us a large part 
of Thy blessings previously bestowed. We ac- 
knowledge that we have amply deserved Thy 
punishment. We acknowledge our sin unto Thee, 
and our iniquity do we not hide. We have not 
always employed Thy gifts as faithfully as we 
ought. We have frequently been unjust stew- 
ards. We owe Thee perhaps more than ten thou- 
sand talents. It is no wonder then, that Thou 
hast chastened us in Thine anger, and pun- 
ished us. 

Alas, that we should have sinned so greatly 
against Thee! Alas, that we should have so 
grossly offended against Thee! We fall down 



After Loss by Fire. 639 

at Thy feet, and humbly beg Thee for mercy. 
We abhor ourselves, and repent in dust and 
ashes. We seek Thy face: O let us for Christ's 
sake find favor in Thy sight. Attend unto us, 
and hear us: we mourn in our complaint, and 
make a noise. Eebuke us no longer in Thine 
anger, neither chasten us in Thy hot displeas- 
ure ; but have mercy upon us, O Lord ; for we are 
weak. O Lord, heal us ; for our bones are vexed. 
Have mercy upon us according to Thy loving 
kindness; according unto the multitude of Thy 
tender mercies, blot out our transgressions. En- 
ter not further into judgment with Thy servants ; 
for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. 
Remember that we are dust and ashes. Show 
us a token for good. Comfort us again, after 
having smitten us so hard. Heal us again after 
having wounded us so sorely. 

Keplace by Thy blessing what the flames have 
devoured and reduced to ashes. Raise up sym- 
pathizing friends to assist and help us. Bless 
our occupation and labor, and establish the work 
of our hands ; yea, the work of our hands estab- 
lish Thou it for Thy name's sake. Let goodness 
and mercy follow us all the days of our life ; and 
let us never again feel that Thou art angry with 
us. Make us careful in handling fire and 
lamps, that we may not by our carelessness bring 
terror and loss to ourselves or our neighbors. 



640 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

Above all make us truly good. Grant that the 
cross which Thou hast laid upon us may lead us 
to Thee and keep us faithful to Thee till our end. 
Strengthen us to avoid all sin and to walk before 
Thee in newness of life. Give us grace so to em- 
ploy the new blessings which Thou shalt give us, 
that we may be able to render an account to 
Thee. Let Thy Spirit lead and guide us, and at 
last graciously bring us to the heavenly kingdom 
which Thou hast prepared from the foundation 
of the world for them that love Thee. Amen. 

HYMN. 

8, 6, 8, 8. 

When I can trust my all with God, 

In trial's fearful hour, 
Bow, all resigned, beneath His rod, 

And bless His sparing power, 
A joy springs up amid distress, 
A fountain in the wilderness. 

O, to be brought to Jesus' feet, 

Though sorrows fix me there, 
Is still a privilege; and sweet 

The energies of prayer, 
Though sighs and tears its language be, 
If Christ be nigh, and smile on me. 

Then blessed be the hand that gave, 

Still blessed when it takes : 
Blessed be He who smites to save, 

Who heals the heart He breaks. 
Perfect and true are all His ways, 
Whom heaven adores and death obeys. 

— Josiah Conder, 1818. 



After a Conflagration. 641 



THE CHRISTIAN THANKS GOD WHEN 

THE CONFLAGRATION HAS BEEN 

EXTINGUISHED. 

MEDITATION. 

Rom. 12: 15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, 
and weep with them that weep. 

THIS is an earnest exhortation to the Chris- 
tian to sympathize with his fellowmen in 
all that may happen to them. It is an 
exhortation which the Christian should bear in 
mind at all times, and especially when he sees 
that his brethren have suffered by fire or other 
misfortune, and that they "eat ashes like bread, 
and mingle their drink with weeping." He 
should weep with those who weep, and share 
their sorrow as one that affects him also, because 
he is a member together with them of the same 
body of Christ. And when he sees that his neigh- 
bors are recovering from the blow which they 
have suffered, and, now that their anxiety has 
passed away, are becoming joyful again, he 
should join with them in hymns of praise to Him 
who has so gloriously helped them, and has done 
all things well. 

When a conflagration has raged and been 
extinguished again, the Christian should show 
his svmpathv for the sufferers first of all by not 

41 



642 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

wickedly rejoicing over the misfortune which 
has befallen them. He should not think in his 
heart : I am glad of it. For to do this would be 
an eyidence of malice, meanness, and lack of 
love, such as are unbecoming to a Christian. He 
should rather remember that the fire might have 
brought loss to him as well as to them ; and there- 
fore he should mourn over it just as if it had 
befallen him, and weep with those who weep. 
He should furthermore refrain from judging 
unkindly of others, and from regarding them as 
extraordinarily great sinners. He should not 
think himself better than others, nor say that the 
misfortune which has befallen them is a just 
punishment for their wickedness. He should 
rather say to himself : "The Lord hath done this. 
And who hath been His counselor?" 

The Christian who has not suffered from the 
fire should, however, go much farther than this 
in showing his sympathy for those whose prop- 
erty has been destroyed. He should give back 
everything which they may have entrusted to 
him during the conflagration, and not retain the 
least article; for to do this would be to steal, 
and to add to the distress of those who have 
suffered. Such a course would be inexcusable. 
Finally he should be ready to contribute to their 
relief, and give gladly, willingly, and liberally 
according to his ability, just as he would have 



After a Conflagration. 643 

that they should do for hiin, if he had suffered 
the loss. Thus he will weep with those who 
weep, and share in their sorrows. 

So also he should rejoice with those who do 
rejoice. When those whose property has been 
damaged by fire begin to take courage, and lift 
up their hearts to God, and give thanks to Him 
because He has been the health of their counte- 
nance and their God, — he should unite with 
them in spirit, and join with them in praising 
and glorifying God. He should give heartfelt 
thanks to God for helping his brethren, as well 
as for guarding and defending him against 
harm. If Christians act thus, they will be doing 
their duty, and will reap blessing and prosperity. 
God will then be well pleased with them, and 
keep them in His care. He will think of them 
in every future trouble, and deliver them. He 
will always let them taste and see that the Lord 
is good. 

PRAYER. 

holy and righteous God ! Thou hast now ex- 
ecuted upon us Thy judgment. Thou wouldest 
punish, chasten, and make us better. Thou hast, 
indeed, afflicted us sorely; but Thou hast also 
done great things for us, so that we are con- 
strained to say, "Kighteous art Thou, O Lord, 
and upright are Thy judgments." I tremble yet 
when I recall the crying and sobbing, the weep- 



644 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

ing and lamentation which but a short time ago 
filled my ears. And when I think of the many 
parents, and children, and infants, and women 
with child, and sick, and dying persons, who 
have been in imminent peril of perishing in the 
flames, and remember how they cried out to Thee 
in their distress, I cannot even now entirely re- 
gain my composure. Thousands might have been 
reduced to utter want and misery. 

Thou hast indeed permitted many persons to 
lose their possessions and become poor; but in 
Thy wrath Thou hast yet remembered mercy. 
Thou commandedst the fire to stand still and not 
to spread farther. Thou heardest the sobbing 
of the needy, and turnedst Thy gracious counte- 
nance upon us again, so that the greedy flames 
did not devour all. What grace and mercy! 
For this we give Thee praise and glory. 

Especially do I praise and thank Thee for the 
great mercy which Thou hast shown me, Thy 
poor creature, on this occasion. I am no better 
than my brethren. I have deserved the same 
punishment. Yet Thou hast graciously spared 
me. Thou hast given me courage and strength 
in the hour of need; Thou hast warded off the 
fire from my home; Thou hast let me and my 
family and all my possessions remain untouched 
by the flames. how shall I sufficiently praise 
Thee for Thy goodness? Ten thousand thanks I 



After a Conflagration. 645 

give to Thee, O Lord, for all Thy grace to me. 
O that I had a thousand tongues to sing Thy glo- 
rious praise. But since I cannot extol Thee, O 
God, in any measure at all proportionate to Thy 
goodness, accept my will for the deed, and let 
my poor lisping praise be acceptable in Thy 
sight. Give me grace and strength henceforth 
to yield my whole life as a thank-offering to 
Thee, earnestly avoiding all sin, following after 
holiness, clinging steadfastly to Thee, and serv- 
ing Thee till my happy end. Have mercy upon 
me for Christ's sake, and keep me in Thy grace, 
that I may enjoy Thy favor here in time and 
there in eternity. 

Look in mercy upon those who have suffered 
through this conflagration. Cheer and sustain 
them, and enable them to see Thy will in what 
they have suffered. Give them patience in their 
affliction, and let them, in true resignation, cling 
only to Thee and Thy grace. Replace their loss 
by Thy blessing, and grant them grace to recog- 
nize Thy Fatherly love and goodness and faith- 
fulness to them, that they may praise and glorify 
Thee without ceasing. 

And now, O Lord, our God, be merciful to us 
in all time to come. Take us under Thy protec- 
tion and guardianship. Preserve us from all 
danger of fire in the future. Remember us al- 
ways in mercy. Do good unto us in Thy good 



646 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

pleasure for Thy mercy's sake. Do good unto us 
till the end of our days. Then will we offer unto 
Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 



Holy, holy, holy Lord, 
Be Thy gracious Name adored! 
Lord, Thy mercies never fail: 
Hail, celestial Goodness, hail! 

Though unworthy, Lord, Thine ear 
Deign our humble songs to hear. 
Purer praise we hope to bring 
When around Thy throne we sing. 

There no tongue shall silent be ; 

All shall join in harmony; 

That through heaven's capacious round 

Praise to Thee may ever sound. 

Lord, Thy mercies never fail; 
Hail, celestial Goodness, hail! 
Holy, holy, holy Lord, 
Be Thy glorious Name adored ! 

— Benjamin Williams, 1778. a. 



7s, 



In Time of Excessive Rain. 647 



THE CHRISTIAN PKAYS IX TIME OF 
EXCESSIVE EAIX. 

MEDITATION. 

Gen. 6 : 17. Behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of 
waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is 
the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing 
that is in the earth shall die. 

IX these words God spoke to the godly Xoah, 
and revealed to him the terrible judgment 
which He was about to send upon the earth 
because of its wickedness. And in them God 
teaches Xoah first of all, that the coming of the 
deluge was a matter which rested entirely with 
the wisdom and power of God ; for He says, "J, 
even I, do bring a flood of waters." Again, He 
indicates that this flood would be sent in wrath 
on account of men's sins. Finally, He says that 
He will use it to punish and destroy the sinner, 
and that it shall ''destroy all flesh, wherein is 
the breath of life, from under heaven ; and every- 
thing that is in the earth shall perish." 

All this took place as God had said. The 
deluge came ; the waters rose ; all flesh was de- 
stroyed; everything that had breath, and was 
not with Xoah in the ark, died. This is a proof 
at once of the truth of God, who fulfils to the 
letter all that He has threatened or promised, 
and of the righteousness of God, who bears long 



648 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

and patiently with the sins and transgressions 
of men, but who at last visits them in His wrath 
and punishes them, if they do not turn from 
their sins and truly repent. And although God 
has promised that He will never again destroy 
the world by a universal deluge, and will cer- 
tainly keep His promise, yet God frequently lets 
floods, and cloud-bursts and seasons of pro- 
tracted rain come upon men, in order to humble 
them, and awaken them from their sins. 

When this is the case, Christians should re- 
member first of all that these things come from 
God and are under His control. And therefore 
they should trustfully commit themselves into 
His hands, firmly believing that He will do all 
things well. Again they should remember that 
God is angry on account of their sins and dis- 
obedience. Therefore they should examine 
themselves, in order to detect the evil which is 
in their heart and life, and should mourn over 
their sins and repent, seeking grace and forgive* 
ness for Christ's sake. Finally they should bear 
in mind that this excessive rain may easily end 
in their destruction. They should not be indif- 
ferent, but thoughtfully reflect upon the dangers 
to which they are exposed. And then they will 
soon see that, if the wet weather were to con- 
tinue too long, the soil would become too wet, 
the grain and fruit would rot, man and beast 



In Time of Excessive Rain. 649 

would be deprived of nourishment and food, and 
scarcity, famine, hunger, sickness, and finally 
general distress would result. This should move 
them to turn to God, to commend themselves to 
His care, to cry unto Him in their distress, and 
to beseech Him to ward off the peril which 
threatens them, seeking in Him, with child-like 
and believing hearts, the deliverance and help 
which they so greatly need. If they do this, God 
will turn unto them again, and will be as merci- 
ful to them as He was angry before. He will 
have compassion upon them, and grant them 
fruitful seasons, filling them with food and 
gladness. 

PRAYER. 

O God, glorious in power and majesty, who 
hast spread out the heavens and laid the founda- 
tions of the earth, and who hast created every 
thing that lives and moves and has being! We 
see with our eyes that Thou dost rule all things, 
and doest whatsoever Thou pleasest. How 
quickly Thou canst change the appearance of the 
earth ! How quickly Thou canst deprive it of its 
beauty and grace! How quickty Thou canst 
take from us the gifts and blessings which Thou 
hast but recently vouchsafed to us ! 

We realize this truth keenly at the present 
time; for Thou hast opened the windows of 
heaven, and lettest the rain fall unceasingly. 



650 Prayer's for Special Occasions. 

Sadness and gloom and desolation prevail every- 
where. The sun withholds its warming and 
quickening rays; the eye beholds nothing hut 
dark and heavy clouds; and the heart is de- 
pressed. The earth is covered with water; the 
grass and the grain are almost rotting; the 
streams are swollen and threaten to overflow; 
the roads are becoming impassable and traffic 
most difficult. And who can tell what other 
perils threaten us in this distress which has 
come upon us? 

O Lord, Lord, look with compassion upon our 
misery, and have mercy upon us. Thou revealest 
plainly that Thou art angry with us. And we 
acknowledge that we have excited Thine anger 
by our sins, our disobedience, our unfaithful- 
ness, our obstinacy. Yes, yes, we have sinned, 
sinned greatly, and come short of the glory of 
God. We have sinned against heaven and in 
Thy sight, and are no more worthy to be called 
Thy children. We have deserved, richly de- 
served, that Thou shouldest withdraw Thy favor 
from us, and let us feel Thy displeasure. There- 
fore we acknowledge our sin, and hide not our 
iniquity. We humble ourselves before Thee in 
true repentance, and pray Thee for mercy and 
grace. O have mercy upon us again, now that 
Thou hast smitten and afflicted us. Kemember 
us and bless us. Kemember that we are but dust 



In Time of Excessive Rain. 651 

and ashes. Eemember the perfect atonement of 
Jesus, and for His sake let us find mercy. 

Thou hast promised, that, as long as the earth 
remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and 
heat, and summer and winter, and day and night 
shall not cease. Thou hast promised that Thou 
wilt satisfy the desire of every living thing. 
Thou hast given the blessed promise that Thou 
wilt never again destroy mankind with a flood. 
O remember Thy promises now. O fulfil them in 
us, Thou God of all grace and truth. Close the 
windows of heaven, and command the rain to 
cease. Chase away the dreary clouds in the sky, 
and let us behold the glad sunshine once more. 
Dry and warm the wet earth. Give to the grass 
and to every growing plant new life. Freshen 
all the fruits of the field and the orchard, and 
let them mature, that, in due season, we may 
gather with joy the needful supply of grain and 
wine and oil, and of everything that is neces- 
sary for our support. 

Grant us in the future such weather as will 
cause the crops to thrive. Preserve us from hail 
and tempest. Give us the early and latter rains 
in their seasons. And when Thou hast watered 
the earth, let the sun shine forth and quicken it, 
that grass may grow for the cattle, and grain for 
man. But grant also that we may then receive 
with thanksgiving the gifts which Thou dost so 



652 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

wonderfully preserve and so graciously bestow; 
and that we may never forget the great things 
which Thou hast done for us. Soften our hard 
hearts by the goodness and faithfulness which 
Thou dost manifest, so that we may honestly 
strive to better our lives, avoid all wilful sin, 
follow goodness and virtue, and walk as in Thy 
sight until our end. And then at last, in Thy 
mercy and faithfulness, receive us into Thy eter- 
nal heavenly kingdom. There will we give Thee 
more perfect praise for all Thy mercies than our 
weakness here permits us to give. There we will 
give Thee eternal praise and thanks. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Holy Jesus, in whose Name 
Thou hast bid Thy servants claim 
Of the Father's love to grant 
All the good they wish or want : 
Trusting in Thy Name alone, 
DraAv we near Thv Father's throne. 



Son of Man, to whom is given, 
With the majesty of heaven, 
For mankind to mediate: 
Partner Thou of man's estate, 
Hear us when with Thee we plead 
For Thy flock to intercede. 

Saviour of the world to Thee 
Ever bows the Church her knee; 



7s, 6 lines. 



hi Time of Drought. 653 

Thee, her only Advocate ; 
Thee, exalted to Thy state, 
With the Holy Ghost, most high 
In Thy Father's majesty. 

—Richard Afant,i8j?. 



THE CHRISTIAN PRAYS IN TIME OF 
DROUGHT. 

MEDITATION. 

James 5: 17, 18. Elias was a man subject to like 
passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it 
might not rain : and it rained not on the earth by the 
space of three years and six months. And he prayed 
again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought 
forth her fruit. 

IN citing the example of Elijah, the object of 
the holy apostle James by no means is to 
teach ns that it lay within the will and 
power of the prophet to give or withhold rain 
from the land; but to show ns that a believing, 
sincere, and acceptable prayer possesses wonder- 
ful power, and can accomplish great things ; and 
to establish beyond all doubt the truth of the as- 
sertion which he had just made, that the effec- 
tual, fervent prayer of the righteous man avail - 
eth much. 

From these words of James we learn three 
things. First, that God alone is Lord of the rain, 
and has power to send or withhold it. On His 



654 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

will alone depends the opening or the closing of 
the windows of heaven. This power not only be- 
longs to God as the Lord of nature and as the 
Creator and Preserver of the world, who is able 
to do all things according to His good pleasure, 
and who holds all things in His hand; but it is 
a power which is expressly ascribed to Him in 
His holy Word. For the prophet Jeremiah says, 
Ch. 14, v. 22 : "Are there any among the vanities 
of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the 
heavens give showers? art not Thou He, O 
Lord, our God? therefore we will wait upon 
Thee: for Thou hast made all these things." 
From God come the moistening and the drying of 
the earth, the rain and the lack of rain. And it 
is to Him that Elijah turns with his prayer. 

We should, therefore, ever recognize God's 
hand and counsel, and humbly adore when we 
behold the things which He does upon the earth. 
Not to nature, and not to fate dare the Christian 
ascribe the rain and the lack of rain, but to the 
Lord of nature. He must recognize the concur- 
rence and sovereignty of God, and submit him- 
self to these completely. 

Secondly, the sending of rain at the proper 
time is to be recognized as a gracious act of God ; 
and the withholding of rain, as a punishment 
from Him. The prayer of Elijah had reference 
to both contingencies. First he prayed that it 



Iii Time of Drought. 655 

might not rain, so that the people might thus be 
punished for their sins. Afterwards he prayed 
that God would remove the punishment, turn 
His wrath into mercy, and refresh the dry earth 
with rain. 

The sending of rain is in truth a great mercy 
of God. For by it the earth is moistened and 
enabled to bring forth fruit. The seed that lies 
in the earth is made to germinate. Field and 
forest are strengthened. Men and beasts are 
refreshed. All nature is revived, and its beauty 
preserved. Who can fail, therefore, to recognize 
in the rain a gracious blessing of God? For this 
reason God promises this blessing to men prin- 
cipally on condition that they walk in His ways 
and keep His commandments. For He ex- 
pressly says in Deut. 11 : 13-15 : "It shall come 
to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my 
commandments which I command you this day, 
to love the Lord your God, and to serve Him 
with all your heart and with all your soul, that 
I will give you the rain of your land in due sea- 
son, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou 
mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine and 
thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for 
thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full." 

And just as it is an act of great mercy on 
God's part when He sends the needful rains ; so 
on the other hand it is an infliction of heavy 



656 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

punishment when He withholds them, and bur- 
dens the land with drought and heat. This pun- 
ishment God permits to come upon men when 
they sin against Him, and refuse to walk in the 
way of His commandments. And as this punish- 
ment is just, so it is also heavy and severe. For 
how wretched and miserable every thing looks 
when the rain has failed, and heat and drought 
oppress? The earth fairly cracks, and has no 
power to bear fruit. The meadows look like 
deserts. The , trees decay, the fruit falls, the 
cattle suffer, man languishes; and scarcity, 
want, sickness, and pestilence threaten to arise. 
The whole land in the middle of summer is fairly 
clothed in the garb of death. What a sad sight, 
and bitter punishment! 

If, therefore, we see such a condition of affairs 
before us, we should not remain indifferent, but 
should examine into ourselves, acknowledge our 
sins, and with humble and contrite heart seek 
reconciliation with God through Christ Jesus. 
With broken spirit we should beseech Him to 
take away His just punishment from us. 

Thirdly, a sincere and acceptable prayer is the 
surest means of obtaining from God every good 
thing, and consequently also of securing the re- 
moval of His punishment and the sending of 
rain to moisten the parched earth. This may be 
seen from the example of Elijah. He was, in- 



In Time of Drought. 851 

deed, a prophet of the Lord, but at the same time 
also a man. a sinful, mortal, impotent man. just 
as we are. He prayed, and God granted his 
prayer. He prayed in accordance with the will 
and good pleasure of G-od. and was heard. The 
same joy may be ours also. We too may secure 
a like blessing: for there is no respect of persons 
with God. He that feareth God. and worketh 
righteousness, is accepted with Him. If we ask 
anything according to His will. He heareth us. 
When, therefore, Christians see that God has 
stretched out His hand in punishment over them 
by withholding the rain and sending heat and 
drought, they should have recourse to prayer, 
and should come before God in such a way as 
that their prayer may be a sweet savour before 
the Lord. They should sincerely confess their 
sins, and seek forgiveness bv faith in Jesus 
Christ. They should pray without doubting, and 
pray without ceasing until they have received 
the desired help. Then they rnav rest assured 
that God will hear their prayer, and 2'ive them 
what their heart desires. Then they shall speed- 
ily see their desire fulfilled before their eyes. For 
the Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon 
Him. to all that call upon Him in truth. He will 
fulfil the desire of them that fear Him; He will 
also hear their cry. and will save them. 

42 



658 Prayers for Special Occasions, 



PRAYER. 

O Lord, our God, who art merciful, and gra- 
cious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness 
and truth, help us in this great distress, in which 
we draw near to Thee and pray for Thy mercy. 
Help us in this great trouble which has come 
upon us. Help us, and deliver us in mercy. In 
ancient days Thou didst threaten Thy people, 
that, if they did not obey Thy voice and observe 
Thy commandments and statutes, Thou wouldest 
make the heaven over their head to be brass, and 
the earth beneath them to be iron, and the rain 
of the land powder and dust ; and that thus Thou 
wouldest punish them till they were destroyed. 

This just and terrible threat Thou now begin- 
nest to fulfil in us. Thou hast for some time 
past visited us with a continuous heat and 
drought which are consuming everything. Thou 
hast for a long time actually locked the heavens 
against us, and bidden the clouds to forsake us, 
or at least refuse to give us rain. It seems, in- 
deed, as if the heaven above us were become 
brass, and the earth beneath us iron. O how 
pitiable and desolate it looks everywhere, in our 
fields and meadows, on the hills and in the val- 
leys, in the orchards and the vineyards! The 
earth opens its mouth and sighs to be refreshed. 
Men and beasts pant from the great heat. The 



In Time of Drought. 659 

trees are dying, the grass is withering, the fruit 
cannot grow nor ripen. The cattle want for 
food, and our rivers, brooks and wells threaten 
to dry up and to leave us without water. And 
what dreadful consequences may not ensue! 
O Lord, Lord, look down upon us in mercy, and 
bring our distress to an end. 

We must indeed confess before Thy holy pres- 
ence, that we have richly deserved to be thus pun- 
ished on account of our constant disobedience 
to Thy commandments, our shameful ingrati- 
tude for Thy many benefits, and our great abuse 
of the mercies which Thou hast bestowed upon 
us. Yes, we must confess, that Thou wouldest 
not deal unjustly if, on account of our manifold 
iniquities, Thou shouldest inflict far severer 
punishments upon us. But, O Father of Mer- 
cies, we fall prostrate and humble at Thy feet, 
and pray Thee, forgive us our great sins, and 
regard us again with favor. Have mercy upon 
us, and remove this heavy plague from us. It 
is Thou that doest good unto us men. It is Thou 
that givest us rain from heaven and fruitful 
seasons, and fillest our hearts with food and 
gladness. Thou waterest the hills from Thy 
chambers ; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of 
Thy works. Thou causest the grass to grow for 
the cattle, and herb for the service of man : that 
Thou mayest bring forth food out of the earth. 



660 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

All eyes wait upon Thee, and Thou givest them 
their meat in due season. O remember us now 
for Thy name's sake, and refresh us with a vivi- 
fying and penetrating rain. 

O Thou almighty Creator and Preserver of all 
things! Open the Avindows of heaven, and visit 
again the land which pants for Thy goodness. 
Water it, that the fruits in field and orchard and 
vineyard may mature, that the grain in the fields 
may grow, that the grass in the meadows may 
spring up, and that men and beasts everywhere 
may find nourishment and sustenance once more. 
And although, O God, we have hitherto been dis- 
obedient children, we are yet, through Christ, 
children who are reconciled to Thee. Therefore 
we humbly cry to Thee in His name, and pray 
that Thou wouldest hear our sighing and suppli- 
cation in this our urgent need and continued 
distress, and wouldest gladden every living thing 
with water from above. 

Protect our land also and our dwelling from 
contagious diseases, from fire, from famine, and 
other well-deserved punishments. Let the pun- 
ishment which we have now experienced serve to 
make us better, and cause us to turn to Thee 
with all our heart. To this end grant us Thy 
Holy Spirit, that He may make entirely new 
creatures of us, who shall walk faithfulty in Thy 
ways, and keep Thy commandments. Sanctify 



In Time of Brought. 661 

us wholly through Him, that our whole spirit 
and soul and body may be preserved blameless 
until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

And now, O Lord, our God, we hope in Thy 
mercy. Let us live to spread abroad Thy praise. 
Hear our prayer, and we will be heartily thank- 
ful for Thy grace. We will magnify Thy glori- 
ous name as long as we live here in this world, 
and magnify it forever in the world to come. 
Hear us, dear Father in heaven; for Thou art 
our God. Hear us in Thy immeasurable faith- 
fulness, O Thou who hast promised to be our 
Help and Stay in every trouble! Hear us for 
Thine own sake. Amen. 



HYMN. 

C. M. 

How are Thy servants blest, O Lord! 

How sure is their defence! 
Eternal Wisdom is their guide, 

Their help Omnipotence. 

From all my griefs and straits, O Lord, 

Thy mercy sets me free ; 
While in the confidence of prayer 

My heart takes hold on Thee. 

In midst of dangers, fears, and death, 

Thy goodness I'll adore; 
And praise Thee for Thy mercies past, 

And humbly hope for more. 



662 Prayers for Special Occasions. 

My life, while Thou preserv'st my life, 

Thy sacrifice shall be; 
And O, may death, when death shall come, 

Unite my soul to Thee. 

— Joseph Addison, 1J12. a. 



JOHN FREDERICK STARCK'S 

PRAYER-BOOK 

FOR USE IN 
PREGNANCY, LABOR, AND CONFINEMENT 

AND FOR THE BARREN 

BEIXG 

BOOKS VI AXD VII OF STARCKS DAILY HAND-BOOK 



COXTAIXIXG ALL THE 



MORNING axd EVENING DEVOTIONS, 

CONSOLATORY PRAYERS and 

MEDITATIONS 

OF THE GERMAN ORIGINAL EDITION 

TOGETHER WITH 

STANDARD ENGLISH HYMNS 



TRANSLATED BY 



JOSEPH STUMP, A. M. 

Pastor of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, N. J. 

Author of "Bible Teachings" and "The Life of 

Philip Melanchthon " 



Burlington, Iowa 

German Literary Board 

1904 



CONTENTS. 



BOOKS VI AND VII. 



Prayers for Women in Pregnancy, 

Labor and Confinement, and 

for the Barren. 



FOR WOMEN IN PREGNANCY. 

PAGE. 

Morning Prayer 9 

Evening Prayer 13 

Daily Meditation and Prayer 16 

The Pregnant Woman Meditates upon Her Condition 

as Being Well-pleasing to God 24 

The Pregnant Woman Thanks God for Her Fruitfulness 28 
The Pregnant Woman Commends Herself and Her Off- 
spring to God 32 

The Pregnant Woman Calls to Mind God's Promises. . 36 
The Pregnant Woman Rejoices in the Almighty Power 

of God 40 

The Pregnant Woman Comforts Herself with the Hope 

of God's Help 44 

FOR WOMEN IN TRAVAIL. 

Prayer at the Approach of Labor 48 

Meditation at the Approach of Labor 52 

(3) 






4 Contents. 

PAGE. 

Prayer before Labor ..,..,, 54 

Another Prayer before Labor , , 55 

Prayer during Labor „ .. .. ^ , v 56 

Another Prayer during Labor *»»»,»»%, 58 

A Third Prayer during Labor ........ 59 

Scripture Passages and Prayers to be Used during 

Labor 60 

FOR MOTHERS. 

The Mother Thanks God for Her Safe Delivery. , 79 

Morning Prayer , 84 

Evening Prayer ,,,..,,, 88 

The Mother Offers up a Prayer for Her Child 92 

Prayer when the Child is Baptized 94 

Pious Parents Pray for their Children 96 

The Mother Prepares for Her Churching 99 

The Mother Thanks God when She Weans Her Child. . 103 

Consolation and Prayer for the Barren 106 

HYMNS. 

Author of good ! To Thee we turn 115 

Before Jehovah's awful throne 102 

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare 39 

Dear Refuge of my weary soul 47 

Forth in Thy name, O Lord, I go 12 

God, who madest earth and heaven 87 

Here behold me, as I cast me 23 

Inspirer and Hearer of prayer 16 

Lord, Thou art my Rock of strength 27 

My God, my only Help and Hope 43 

O Thou, to whose all-searching sight 51 

Saviour, who Thy flock art feeding 98 



Contents. 5 

PAGE 

Shine on our sotds, eternal God ....,.-.-. 36 

Sing praise to God, who reigns above > 83 

Sunk is the sun's last beam of light 91 

Through all the changing scenes of life 31 

What shall I render to my God 105 



PREFACE 



THE protection, help, care, and answer to 
prayer, which the faithful and loving 
God has promised to all believers, should 
be especially called to mind by pious Christian 
wives whom God has blessed with the prospect 
of motherhood. What David said is still true: 
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord, and 
the fruit of the womb is His reward." And pious 
wives will always regard the matter thus, just 
as Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and other holy women 
did, who, when God had blessed them, gave 
thanks to Him. When godly wives perceive that 
they have conceived, there awakes within their 
heart the ardent hope that their child may be 
born sound and well-formed. And in fervent de- 
votion they lift up their hearts to God in prayer, 
confident that the almighty and merciful God 
will hear their prayer. The nearer the time ap- 
proaches, the more earnestly they pray to Him 
who can do all things. They wait upon Him. 
And when God has heard their trustful prayer, 
and their child has been safely born, they extol 
the goodness of God with heart and mouth. 

In this book, pious wives will find desirable 
and ample directions how to conduct themselves 

(7) 



8 Preface. 

in a true Christian spirit before and after con- 
finement. And may the faithful God, by a 
blessed answer to prayer, gladden every pious 
heart which humbly prays for His grace. 

PRAYER. 

O Jesus, who through Thy holy birth hast hal- 
lowed our sinful birth, succor with Thy mighty 
grace all those who cry unto Thee in their need. 
Help them, quicken them, comfort them, cheer 
them. Be Thou nigh unto them ; for human help 
is insufficient. Behold how their heart sighs to 
Thee, how their lips tremble, and their eyes are 
raised to Thy sanctuary. Speak to them the 
comforting words : "I will be with Thee in 
trouble; I will deliver thee. Fear thou not, for 
I am with thee." Then shall they sing Thy praise 
and say : "The Lord hath done great things for 
me, whereof I am glad. Blessed be the name of 
the Lord, now and evermore." Amen. 



FOR USE IN PREGNANCY. 



MORNING DEVOTIONS. 

MEDITATION. 

EVEEY true Christian should commit him- 
self to the care and grace of God every 
morning before he goes to his work, and 
pray God to guard his body and soul. And cer- 
tainly, to rise in the morning in good health, to 
spend the day in safety under the protection of 
the Highest, and to be able to lie down again in 
bed at night in health, is a privilege which we 
owe to the mercy of God. This is evident from 
the fact that many a person spends a most un- 
happy day, — a day in which he is well in the 
morning, but must be carried to bed sick or lame 
or wounded or crippled in the evening. 

But if every Christian should commend him- 
self to the care of God, how much more ought a 
pregnant woman do so. She should earnestly 
and fervently pray to God every morning (1) to 
preserve good and holy thoughts in her heart 
throughout the day, in order that she may think 
of Him constantly and commune with Him. (2) 
She should commit her body to His protection, 
beseeching Him to guard her steps and to pre- 

(9) 



10 For Use in Pregnancy. 

serve her from dangerous falls and other mis- 
fortunes. (3) She should commend her unborn 
child to God's care, praying that it may grow, 
increase in strength, be properly formed, and be 
filled with the gifts of the Spirit. (4) She should 
be particularly careful to avoid anger, strife, 
and contention, and not to take everything so 
seriously or to be irritated by every little thing ; 
so that she may not by her self-will and anger 
bring harm, sickness, or even death upon the 
young being entrusted to her. If she thus com- 
mits herself to the grace and goodness of God, 
she has the comfort of knowing that God will 
give His angels charge concerning her to keep 
her in all her ways. 

MORNING PRAYER. 

Lord God the Father, what Thou hast 
created, Lord God the Son, what Thou hast re- 
deemed, Lord God the Holy Ghost, what Thou 
hast sanctified, I commit into Thy hands. To 
Thy name be praise, honor, glory and thanks- 
giving in this morning hour and to all eternity. 
Amen. 

O gracious, kind and merciful God, who art 
the Father of lights, with whom is no variable- 
ness, neither shadow of turning! I thank Thee 
from my inmost soul that Thou hast so graciously 
guarded me during the past night, and hast per- 



Morning Prayer. 11 

mitted me to behold once more the glad light of 
day. O Thou Light of my soul! grant me this 
morning a bright light in my heart, that I may 
be strengthened in love toward Thee, and in 
trust and hope. Sanctify my soul, and let me 
walk with Thee to-day. Let me meditate upon 
Thee, find my delight in Thee, and comfort my- 
self with the thought of Thy mercy. Grant that 
I may not wilfully sin against Thee to-day, but 
walk before Thee in holiness and righteousness, 
and obey Thee as Thy child. Let me remember 
that Thou art always with and about me, and 
hearest all that I say, and seest all that I do ; so 
that I may be encouraged and admonished to 
continue faithful to Thee, and not to offend 
Thee. 

I commit my life into Thy hands. I commend 
my body to Thy care. Do Thou watch over my 
steps. O God of all goodness and mercy, Thou 
hast placed me in a condition in which I have 
special need of Thy protection and grace. 
Therefore, Thou Defense of Thy children, I hum- 
bly beseech Thee to watch over my going out and 
my coming in. Let Thy grace guide me, and Thy 
angel lead me by the hand, that I may not slip, 
nor fall, nor injure myself or the fruit of my 
body. Preserve me, strengthen me, support me. 
Ward off everything that would be hurtful to 
me. Let Thy good Spirit guide me in safety. 



12 For Use in Pregnancy. 

Enable me to reach the evening unharmed. Then 
will I thank Thee for all the benefits which Thou 
hast graciously bestowed upon me in body aud 
■soul. 

And now, O Lord, bless me and keep me : Lord, 
let Thy face shine upon me, and be gracious unto 
me : Lord, lift up Thy countenance upon me, and 
give me peace. The grace of the Father defend 
me; the love of Jesus shelter me; the succor of 
the Holy Spirit sustain me now and evermore. 
O bless me when I sleep and when I wake. Bless 
me in all my ways, and take not Thy blessing 
from me. Amen. 

HYMN. 

L. M. 

Forth in Thy name, O Lord, I go, 
My daily labor to pursue, 
Thee, only Thee, resolved to know 
In all I think or speak or do. 

The task Thy wisdom hath assigned, 
O let me cheerfully fulfil ; 
In all my works Thy presence find, 
And prove Thy good and perfect will. 

Thee may I set at my right hand, 
Whose eyes my inmost substance see, 
And labor on at Thy command, 
And offer all my works to Thee. 

For Thee I ever would employ 

Whate'er Thy bounteous grace hath given, 



Evening Devotions. 13 

And run my course with even joy, 
And closely walk with Thee to Heaven. 

— Charles Wesley, 1749. a. 



EVENING DEVOTIONS. 

MEDITATION. 

WHAT a great blessing it is to be per- 
mitted to reach the evening unharmed, 
and to be able to say : "I will both lay 
me down in peace, and sleep!" O, what a sweet 
repose is ours when we can retire to rest at peace 
with God, at peace with our own conscience, and 
at peace with all around us. Then we can say 
with joyful heart, "The Lord hath done great 
things for me, Avhereof I am glad," and enjoy a 
blessed repose. 

In this way pregnant women also should lift 
their heart and eyes and voice to God at the 
close of a day spent in safety. They should 
thank God for the protection which His grace 
has afforded, and commend themselves to His 
love and mercy. If the night is a gloomy season 
for all, it is particularly so for pregnant women. 
Accordingly, they should pray to God (1) to 
ward off all terrors and misfortune, because 
those who are with child are often exposed to 
the gravest perils by a sudden fright ; (2) to pro- 



14 For Use in Pregnancy. 

tect them against sickness and pain; (3) to let 
His blessing rest constantly upon them and 
their unborn offspring. And when the morning 
has dawned again, they should (4) come before 
God with thanksgiving, and say with David: 
"Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is 
within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, 
O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." 

EVENING PRAYER. 

O gracious, loving, and merciful God, I come 
into Thy holy presence with joyful heart. Lord, 
how excellent is Thy loving-kindness! therefore 
the children of men put their trust under the 
shadow of Thy wings. Yes, under the shadow 
of Thy wings I have gone out and in this day, 
protected from danger and harm, and reaching 
the evening in safety. Blessed be my loving 
heavenly Father, who has carried me in His 
arms as His child ! Blessed be Jesus Christ, my 
Saviour, who has led me by the hand, and 
guarded me against every harm! Blessed be 
God the Holy Ghost, who has not departed from 
me! 

O Thou Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost, abide with me to-night. Continue Thy 
lovingkindness unto them that know Thee; and 
Thy righteousness to the upright in heart. 
Keep my body and my soul from all harm. Let 



Evening Prayer. 15 

me commune with Thee even in sleep; and 
when I awake let my thoughts be found with 
Thee. Behold, I know none other Helper but 
Thee, Thou God of Israel. Let Thy angels sur- 
round my bed, and guard me against everything 
that would harm me or the being which Thou 
hast graciously entrusted to me. Dispel from 
my heart all needless cares, evil thoughts, and 
morbid fancies. Chase from my bed and from 
my house every peril that threatens me. 

In God's name I lie down to rest; I sleep in 
the arms of Jesus; His left hand is under my 
head, and His right hand doth embrace me. O 
Thou, my Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, 
abide with me. Thou, O Triune God, art my 
light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Thou 
art the strength of my life; of whom shall I be 
afraid? Yea, I fear nothing; for God is with 
me. I fear nothing; for I have Jesus with me. 
Though the night be dark about me, Jesus is" the 
light of my soul. Though fear should threaten, 
the Holy Ghost will be my Comfort and Stay. 
Protect me during this night, and let me, safely 
kept and guarded, behold the glad sunshine on 
the morrow: then shall my mouth be filled with 
Thy praise; then will I thank Thee for all Thy 
benefits. Amen. 



16 For Use in Pregnancy. 



HYMN. 



L. M. Pec 



Inspirer and Hearer of prayer, 

Thou Shepherd and Guardian of Thine, 
My all to Thy covenant care 

I, sleeping or waking, resign. 

If Thou art my Shield and my Sun 
The night is no darkness to me; 

And fast as my minutes roll on, 
They bring me but nearer to Thee. 

A sovereign Protector I have, 

Unseen, yet forever at hand; 
Unchangeably faithful to save, 

Almighty to rule and command. 

His smiles and His comforts abound, 
His grace, as the dew, shall descend; 

And walls of salvation surround 
The soul He delights to defend. 

- Augustus M, Top lady, 1774, a. 



DAILY MEDITATION. 

WHEN by God's blessing a wife has con- 
ceived, she should heartily rejoice, and 
give thanks to God. But she should 
also bear in mind, (1) that in this condition she 
is exposed to many pains and hardships of which 
she previously knew nothing. These pains have 



Daily Meditation. 17 

been laid upon the female sex since the fall into 
sin, as we see from Gen. 3 : 16, where God says : 
"I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy con- 
ception; in sorrow shalt thou bring forth chil- 
dren." But they should remember (2) that God 
will alleviate these pains, because He is gra- 
cious; and that He is able to remove them, 
because He is mighty. Yes, because all things 
shall work together for good to them that love 
God, these very trials, which a state of preg- 
nancy involves, will build them up and exercise 
them in true religion. They can learn to know 
the wisdom, goodness, power, and grace of God 
to a degree which would not otherwise be pos- 
sible for them. 

If a despondent mood, sleeplessness, or an 
unfavorable turn of affairs should intervene, 
they should (3) call to mind their baptismal cov- 
enant, and remember that God is their Father 
and will not forsake His children. For like as 
a Father pitieth His children, even so the Lord 
pitieth them that fear Him. They should think 
of God's power, and believe that He will give 
them the needful strength, and will finish the 
work which He has begun in them. And if oc- 
casionally their burden shall seem almost intol- 
erable, they should remember that nothing is 
impossible with God, and that, if He but speaks 
the word, the raging billows of suffering must be 



18 For Use in Pregnancy. 

calm. (4) But even if the pain should endure for 
a long time, they should not on that acount lose 
their trust in God nor cease to hope, but should 
remember that God has already set the hour in 
which He will help them. He often says to us, 
as He did to Mary His mother, "Mine hour is 
not yet come." We should therefore faithfully 
and patiently endure the delay, and trust in the 
divine promise which says, "I will not leave 
thee nor forsake thee." 

Should you object that many women lose their 
life during pregnancy and confinement, I reply 
that God has appointed the hour of death for 
every one. If pregnant women know of others 
in their condition who have died, they also 
know of many more who have lived and be- 
come happy mothers. And the number of 
the latter is far greater than that of the 
former. Where out of a hundred scarcely one 
has died, and ninety-nine have been happily 
delivered, it is contrary to the faith and love 
which we ought to have toward God to antici- 
pate always the worst. It manifests a lack 
of trust in God, and is sinful, to give way to 
despair and thus practically to say: "Although 
God has helped hundreds and thousands of 
others, He will nevertheless not help me." Who 
has ,told you this? Who has sowed this distrust 
in your mind? Do you not know that God is 



Daily Meditation. 19 

good and almighty? Therefore reverse the mat- 
ter, and say : "The God who has helped so many 
thousands will also help me." Build on this 
hope with all your soul. Withstand all doubt- 
ing thoughts, and look up to the mighty hand of 
God. 

But granting that God has decreed that a 
woman shall die during labor, she dies blessed; 
for she dies in the fulfillment of her calling. 
Just as it would be a blessed death, if a pious 
person should die while he was praying, or a 
preacher while he was in the pulpit, or a chari- 
table man while he was giving alms, or a king 
on his throne while he was doing justice to the 
cause of the poor; so also it is a blessed death 
if a wife dies during pregnancy or labor, for she 
dies in her calling, and in a condition which is 
well-pleasing to God. Precious in the sight of 
the Lord is the death of such godly wives; and 
after all their pain and suffering He will satisfy 
and refresh their soul with eternal joy and glad- 
ness in heaven. How and when we shall die a 
happy death, we should leave to the wisdom of 
God. "If only I obtain salvation, if only I enter 
heaven" the believing soul should say, "the Lord 
may appoint my end at any time and in any man- 
ner which pleases Him." 

But pregnant women should be careful not to 
bring death upon themselves by their own anger 



20 For Use in Pregnancy. 

and arbitrariness. And because in their present 
condition many tilings are extremely injurious 
to them, they should keep all the stricter watch 
upon themselves. The fact that many pregnant 
women are altogether too irritable, cross and 
sensitive, can not be commended in them but 
must be blamed. Nothing which those around 
them do suits some women at such a time. They 
become angry about everything. No food, no 
word, no chair is right for them. But they 
should restrain themselves and pray against this 
fretful spirit. For if they thus excite themselves 
by anger and spitefulness, they are in danger of 
bringing upon themselves fatal fevers. And in 
that case they must not say that God has done 
it. They have done it themselves. Xot their 
pregnancy, but their own bad temper, anger, and 
obstinacy will then have cost them their life. 
And I would ask all Christian wives whether, if 
their offspring is compelled to draw its growth 
from them under such conditions, they are not 
themselves to blame if they give birth to chil- 
dren who are as irritable, passionate, self-willed 
and obstinate as their mothers were during the 
period of gestation. Therefore the Christian 
wife should gain the mastery over herself and 
control her feelings by the grace of God, so that 
she may not by her own fault cause disaster. 
If she prays to God for the needful grace, He, 



Daily Prayer. 21 

Who is the giver of every perfect gift, will not 
deny her petition. And then in life or in death 
she can comfort herself with the assurance of 
God's favor. 

And since Christian wives, when they find 
themselves in this condition, are anxious to par- 
take of the Lord's Supper, they should, when 
they partake of it, all the more earnestly com- 
mend themselves and their offspring to the Lord 
Jesus, and through His strength abide in faith, 
in love, and in holiness of life. 

DAILY PRAYER. 

O holy, good, and merciful God! I come be- 
fore Thee, bringing my supplications, prayers, 
intercessions, and giving of thanks. O mighty 
God, Thou hast blessed me in wedlock, and for 
this I give Thee heart-felt thanks. And I pray 
Thee to grant me in due time the joy of behold- 
ing my child. Since Thou, O righteous God, hast 
burdened this condition with pain and discom- 
fort, I will, with Thy help, willingly bear these 
burdens. 

O Lord, my God, be Thou with me when hours 
of sadness, days of pain, and sleepless nights 
oppress me. I know that in Thine almighty 
power Thou canst alleviate my sufferings, and 
that in the midst of them Thou dost remain mv 



22 For Use in Pregnancy. 

Father, my Support, my Helper, my only Refuge, 
and my gracious God. Thou, who hast ordained 
that I should suffer these things, hast power also 
to moderate them. If my sufferings should be- 
come great and almost unendurable, I will never- 
theless not despair, but will remember that 
Thou, O faithful God, wilt not let me be tried 
above that which I am able, but wilt with the 
trial also make a way of escape that I may be 
able to bear it. When I sigh for Thy help, and 
say, How long, O Lord, how long? hearken unto 
me, and let the hour of Thy help speedily appear. 
Hold before my eyes and engrave upon my 
heart the memory of Thine almightiness ; and 
let me not become dismayed, if it should happen 
that others who are in my condition are afflicted 
with tedious illness or even die in labor. Let me 
then call to mind over and over again how 
many women have been safely delivered during 
the year, and how small a percentage have died 
in confinement. Therefore I will trust in Thine 
almighty power. I humbly beseech Thee to give 
me a joyful maternity. Help me in the hour of 
labor, and gladden me with a healthy and well- 
formed child. If, however, Thou hast decreed 
that I shall die in this condition, Lord, Thy will 
be done. I know I shall then die in my calling, 
I shall die in Thy grace, I shall die in Thy arms, 



Daily Prayer. 23 

I shall die as Thy child, I shall die happy. And 
Thou wilt bring me to everlasting joy and sal- 
vation. 

Meanwhile, O my God, grant me Thy holy 
Spirit, that He may keep my heart filled with 
good thoughts. Give me a quiet and gentle 
mind, and help me to control my temper, so that 
I may not by anger or spitefulness bring death 
upon myself or my offspring. Grant that my 
child may be strong in body and mind, and de- 
velop under the shadow of Thy grace, till Thou 
shalt bring it to the light of day, and shalt turn 
all my pain into gladness and my sorrow into 
joy. And now, O Lord, my God, I have poured 
out my heart before Thee; do Thou, in Thy 
mercy hear me. Deliver me according to Thy 
promise, have mercy upon me in Thy faithful- 
ness, help me in Thy love, gladden me accord- 
ing to Thy lovingkindness. I knoAv, Thou hast 
never yet forgotten me; Thou wilt not forget 
me now. Anien. 

HYMN. 

(Sieh, hier bin ich, Ehrenkoenig.) 

Here behold me, as I cast me 

'Neath Thy throne, O glorious King! 

Sorrows thronging, childlike longing, 
Son of Man, to Thee I bring. 

Let me find Thee! 

Me, a poor and worthless thing. 



8, 7, 4, 7 



24 For Use in Pregnancy, 

Look upon me, Lord, I pray Thee, 
Let Thy Spirit dwell in mine; 

Thou hast sought me, Thou hast bought me, 
Only Thee to know I pine. 

Let me find Thee! 

Take my heart, and own me Thine, 

Naught I ask for, naught I striye for, 
But Thy grace so rich and free ; 

That Thou givest whom Thou loyest, 
And who truly cling to Thee. 

Let me find Thee ! 

He hath all things who hath Thee. 

— Joachim Neander, i6jg. 

Miss IVinkworth, Tr. 1858. a. 






THE PREGNANT WOMAN REFLECTS 

UPON HER CONDITION AS BEING 

WELL-PLEASING TO GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

GOD has Himself instituted the state of 
matrimony, and desires by means of it 
to perpetuate the human race. For He 
said to our first parents in Paradise : "Be fruit- 
ful and multiply." The Christian wife should 
therefore rejoice when she obseryes that she has 
conceiyed. She should remember (1) that chil- 
dren are a gift of God, which He bestows upon 
some and denies to others, in order to show that 



A Condition Well-pleasing to God. 25 

it is divine and not human power that brings 
them into being. As soon as a wife perceives 
that God has thus blessed her, (2) she should 
reflect that God has remembered her in mercy, 
just as we read in Scripture that God remem- 
bered Sarah and Eachel. (3) She should be con- 
tent, give thanks to God, and believe that her 
present condition is one which God has sent her 
in blessing. She should remember, as she goes 
out and in, that she does so under God's protec- 
tion and guardianship. His Holy Angels have 
a special charge concerning her. 

If pain and discomfort come, (4) she should 
remember that God has ordained her for this 
condition, but that He will not forsake her. She 
should all the more place her trust in Him ; and 
then she shall experience that He doeth all things 
well. To this end (5) she should persevere in 
prayer, avoid anger and spitefulness, and remain 
steadfast in faith, in love, and in holiness. She 
should believe that she is in a condition which 
is well-pleasing to God, and in which she can 
count on His support and help, and should be 
confident that whatever she asks in accordance 
with God's will, shall be granted to her accord- 
ing to His grace and mercy. 



26 For Use in Pregnancy. 

PRAYER. 

O loving God and Father! How shall I suf- 
ficiently acknowledge , thank, and praise the 
Fatherly faithfulness which has placed me in 
my present condition. Lord, Thou hast remem- 
bered me in mercy, and granted me this blessing 
of wedlock. And though this condition involves 
hardships, I vet know that I enjoy Thy favor, 
and that my state is one which Thou has or- 
dained and with which Thou art well pleased. 
Thou knowest, Lord, that I have not entered 
upon marriage frivolously; that I have been 
chaste, and have shunned the company of the 
impure and the wanton ; and that I have entered 
into wedlock in Thy fear, in chastity, and to 
Thy glory. And now that Thou hast remem- 
bered me in mercy, and bestowed a blessing upon 
me, I receive it as a gift from Thy hands. 

O Lord, let me experience Thy grace. Be mer- 
ciful unto me, hear my prayers and sighs, and 
let my supplications find acceptance at Thy 
throne of grace. Defend and guide and guard me. 
Comfort me when I am sad, and let Thy Spirit 
always bear witness Vith my spirit that I am Thy 
child. Be my Refuge to whom I may ever flee, and 
before whom I may pour out my heart. Cheer me 
when I am despondent; strengthen me when I 
am faint. Be my Helper, and assure me that 



Hymn. 27 

Thou art with me in trouble, and wilt deliver 
me. Be my Support when I suffer pain and dis- 
comfort. Be my Deliverer, and in due time loose 
my bonds and grant me gladness. heavenly 
Father, be my Strength. O, support, strengthen 
and sustain me. Jesus, be my Intercessor to 
plead for me with the Father, and to bring my 
weak and pain-laden prayer before Him. 
Holy Ghost, be my Comforter, and assure me, 
that I enjoy God's favor, that I am His child; 
that I shall have a happy delivery, and receive 
help from above. Yea, Thou Triune God, be 
with me in my present state. Then shall I be 
comforted, protected, guarded, and delivered. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 

(Was von aussen und von innen.) 

7s. D. 

Lord, Thou art my Kock of strength, 

And my home is in Thine arms. 
Thou wilt send me help at length, 

And I feel no wild alarms. 
Sin nor death can pierce the shield 

Thy defence has o'er me thrown : 
Up to Thee myself I yield, 

And my sorrows are Thine own. 

Yes, on Thee, my God, I rest, 

Letting life float calmly on; 
For I know the last is best, 

When the crown of joy is won. 



28 For Use in Pregnancy. 

In Thy might all things I bear, 
In Thy love find bitter sweet, 

And with all my grief and care 
Sit with patience at Thy feet. 

Let Thy mercy's wings be spread 

O'er me ; keep me close to Thee ; 
In the peace Thy love doth shed 

Let me dwell eternally. 
Be my All : in all I do 

Let me only seek Thy will. 

Where the heart to Thee is true, 
All is peaceful, calm, and still. 

— August Hermann Francke, d.iyu. 
Miss Winkworth, Tr. 1855. 



THE PREGNANT WOMAN THANKS GOD 
FOR HER FRUITFULNESS. 

MEDITATION. 

ALTHOUGH most people regard children 
simply as a gift of nature, the Holy 
Scriptures teach us to regard them dif- 
ferently, when they say, "The fruit of the womb 
is His reward." Therefore a believing couple 
should pray for this gift, as well as for all other 
gifts. As far as harlots and other unbelieving 
persons are concerned, they do indeed obtain 
this gift, but only because God lets nature have 
its course. For they do not beget children to the 



Thanksgiving* 29 

glory of God, and are only concerned to satisfy 
their sinful passions. But believing husbands 
and wives gratefully accept their children as a 
gift from God. 

When therefore a pious wife perceives that she 
is fruitful, she should (1) thank God for it, and 
remember that God now imparts to her the prom- 
ised blessing of wedlock. (2) She should act pru- 
dently and within the bounds of moderation, 
propriety, meekness, and Christian modesty, so 
that she may not by her own fault, for example 
by over-work, reaching too high with her arms, 
lifting too heavy objects, giving way to anger, 
and the like, blight her hopes. (3) She should 
daily commend herself and her offspring to God, 
and pray Him to fashion, sustain, strengthen, 
and preserve it, and at last usher it safely into 
the world. (4) She should not only not murmur 
on account of the trials to which her condition 
subjects her, but should not become irritable, 
passionate, or revengeful towards her husband, 
her servants, or other persons; for to act thus 
would be an evidence of dissatisfaction with her 
condition, and of an ingratitude which God will 
not fail to observe, and for which He may make 
her atone. 



30 For Use in Pregnancy. 

PRAYER. 

Lord, almighty God, who art a God of life, 
who givest breath and life to us all, and who hast 
blessed the state of wedlock with f ruitf ulness ! 
I thank Thee that Thou hast remembered me 
and granted me this blessing. Thou, O mighty 
God, hast shown greater kindness to me than to 
many others who sigh in vain for this blessing. 
Therefore I pray Thee to let me realize truly 
Thy kindness to me. I commit myself wholly to 
Thy keeping. Preserve me from anxiety, fright, 
and falls, and from danger and misfortune of 
every kind that might rob me of Thy gift. Give 
me true Christian prudence in all that I under- 
take and do, that I may not myself destroy the 
blessing which Thou hast conferred. 

Lord, how great is Thy wisdom by which Thou 
fashionest man so wonderfully! How great is 
Thy omnipotence by which Thou causest us to 
see the light of day ! How great is Thy goodness 
by which Thou dost in this manner preserve and 
multiply the human race! I thank Thee, my 
God, that Thou hast chosen me to be an instru- 
ment for this Thy glorious work, and hast 
blessed me with fruitfulness. O graciously com- 
plete the work which Thou hast begun; sustain 
what Thou hast given; strengthen what Thou 
hast bestowed; preserve what Thou hast con- 



Hymn. 31 

ferred. Let me pass my time in safety beneath 
Thy protection. Preserve me from shocking 
sights and terrifying news. And if, in Thy will, 
it should be decreed that I shall see or hear such 
things, do Thou nevertheless, by Thy almighty 
hand, preserve my offspring from harm. Let me 
in due time become a happy mother, and joyfully 
behold my child. Lord, let Thy goodness and 
truth accompany me in all my ways. Keep my 
foot from stumbling, my limbs from being 
broken, my body from every harm. Preserve 
and guard the gift which Thou hast bestowed 
upon me. In the meantime, I will look to Thy 
help. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, 
from whence cometh my help; my help cometh 
from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 

Psalm 34. C. M. 

Through all the changing scenes of life, 

In trouble and in joy, 
The praises of my God shall still 

My heart and tongue employ. 

Of His deliverance I will boast, 

Till all that are distrest 
From my example comfort take, 

And charm their griefs to rest. 

O magnify the Lord with me, 
With me exalt His name! 



32 For Use in Pregnancy. 

When in distress on Him I called, 
He to my rescue came. 

The hosts of God encamp around 
The dwellings of the just; 

Deliverance He affords to all 
Who on His succor trust. 

O make but trial of His love: 

Experience will decide 
How blest are they, and only they, 

Who in His truth confide. 

Fear Him, ye saints, and ye will then 
Have nothing else to fear; 

Make you His service your delight, 
He'll make your wants His care. 

— Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady, 1696. 



THE PREGNANT WOMAN COMMENDS 

HERSELF AND HER OFFSPRING 

TO GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

WHEN a Christian wife learns that she 
has conceived, she should, in addition 
to her ordinary occupations, attend 
specially to the following duties. (1) She should 
commend herself to God every day and every 
hour, and beseech Him to lead, strengthen, and 



Prayer for God's Care. 33 

guide her. (2) She should diligently commend 
her offspring to God, and pray for it. For in 
this lies the difference between believing and un- 
believing wives, and between good women and 
harlots: unbelieving women and harlots curse 
their pregnancy, despise their future offspring, 
do not thank God for it, do it harm if they can, 
and perhaps have no good intentions at all with 
regard to it. But godly wives have a different 
spirit; whenever they pray, they bring their 
child before God in their petitions. They be- 
seech Him to fashion it beautifully, to give it 
sound and straight limbs, to keep it alive, and 
to let it be born healthy. They love their future 
offspring before they see it, are concerned for 
its preservation, and provide beforehand the 
clothing which it will need after birth. They are 
solicitous not only for its physical well-being, 
but for its spiritual well-being also, and pray 
that after its natural birth it may be born again 
through Holy Baptism. 

PRAYER. 

O Holy Father and Creator of men! Behold 
I come to Thee into Thy sacred presence, and 
humbly pray for Thy grace. O mighty God, in 
Thy goodness Thou hast blessed me with the 
prospect of motherhood; but who am I that I 
should bring a child into the world? How 



34 For Use in Pregnancy. 

many mothers have conceived and yet have not 
given birth! How many hare rejoiced at the 
prospect of becoming mothers, and yet have 
been disappointed! Therefore, O Lord, Lord, 
all my desire is before Thee; and my groan- 
ing is not hid from Thee. Lord, Lord, in 
mercy preserve what Thou hast so graciously 
bestowed. I commend myself entirely to Thy 
gracious care. Lord, keep me by day and by 
night, that no harm may befall me. Guard me 
when I go out, or when I walk upon the streets ; 
and bring me home again well and unharmed. 
Let my soul be peaceful and happy. Let me con- 
stantly commune with Thee, and find my delight 
in Thee. Let my heart be the dwelling of Jesus 
and the temple of the Holy Spirit. May Jesus 
live in me, guide, rule, and sanctify me. Ward 
off from me all vexation, anger and fright. Let 
me not see any persons who are deformed; but 
if I should do so, preserve my offspring. 

Let Thy visitation preserve my spirit. Guard 
my life, and watch over my every step. The 
Lord preserve my going out and my coming in 
from this time forth and even for evermore. In 
the name of the Triune God I go out and in. In 
the name of the Triune God I lie down to sleep, 
and rise again. In the name of the Triune God 
I attend to my daily round of duties. O Triune 
God, guard, keep, and protect me by Thy power. 



Prayer for God's Care. 35 

Bear me up in Thy hands, and guard me in all 
my ways, so that no evil may befall me. Then 
will I praise and thank Thee all the days of my 
life. 

I also commend to Thee, O Triune God, my 
unborn child. Lord, I pray for it, I plead for 
it. O hear me for Thy goodness sake, hear me 
for Jesus' sake. O grant to my child the gift 
of Thy Holy Spirit. Let it, like John the Bap- 
tist, be filled even in the womb with heavenly 
power. Give to it a well-balanced mind and a 
godly heart, that it may fear and love Thee all 
its days. Give it also sound and straight limbs, 
a healthy body, and a good endowment of bodily 
and mental faculties. And when Thou hast 
thus in secret fitted it out with glorious gifts of 
body and soul, let it soon after birth be born 
again in Holy Baptism. Thou, O Jesus, hast 
said: "Suffer the little children to come unto 
me and forbid them not, for of such is the king- 
dom of God." Thou didst take the children into 
Thy arms and bless them. O, in due time take 
my child also into Thy arms, and bless it. Be- 
stow upon it the earnest of our inheritance, the 
Holy Spirit; sanctify and renew it unto life 
eternal. Make of it a child of heaven and an 
heir of eternal life, that I with my child, and 
my child with me, may one day become partak- 
ers of everlasting salvation. Amen, 



36 For Use in Pregnancy. 



HYMN. 



Shine on our souls, eternal God! 

With rays of beauty shine; 
O let Thy favor crown our days, 

And let their round be Thine. 

Did we not raise our hands to Thee, 
Our hands might toil in vain : 

Small joy success itself could give, 
If Thou Thy love restrain. 

With Thee let every week begin, 

With Thee each day be spent, 
For Thee each fleeting hour improved, 

Since each by Thee is lent. 

Thus cheer us through this toilsome road. 

Till all our labors cease; 
And heaven refresh our weary souls 

With everlasting peace. 

Philip Doddridge, 1755. a. 



L. M. 



THE PREGNANT WOMAN CALLS TO MIND 
GOD'S PROMISES. 

MEDITATION. 

WHILE the condition of pregnant women 
is at times distressed and painful, 
they have precious and comforting 
promises of God. In these He assures them of 
His help in trouble. He declares that He will 



God's Promises. 37 

not forget nor forsake them, but will help them, 
deliver them, carry them in His hands, and the 
like. Every pious woman with child should (1) 
make herself acquainted with these promises, 
and comfort herself with them. (2) She should 
remember that the promises of God are meant 
for all, and consequently for her also. And if 
the desired help, and the promised deliyerance 
do not make their appearance at once, she should 
(3) not despair on that account, nor imagine that 
the promise is of none effect and will not be ful- 
filled. On the contrary, she should (4) trust 
firmly in the promises of God. For when His 
hour has come, He will do what He has prom- 
ised. Meanwhile, howeyer, (5) she should con- 
tinue in prayer, trust, and hope, till at last the 
hour dawns in which she, who has hitherto been 
sad, shall joyfully praise God and say: "Hith- 
erto hath the Lord helped me. The Lord hath 
done great things for me, whereof I am glad.-' 

PRAYER. 

My God ! When Thou saidst, Seek ye my face, 
my heart said unto Thee: Thy face, Lord, will 
I seek. Thou knowest, O God, that without Thee 
I am nothing, and can do nothing. Who can 
loose my bonds but Thou alone? Who can help 
me but Thou only? Therefore I come to Thee, 
and cling to Thy words of promise. Thou hast 



38 For Use in Pregnancy. 

said, that Thou wouldest not forsake Thine own ; 
O forsake not me : that Thou wouldest be with 
them in trouble ; O be with me : that Thou 
wouldst help Thine own; O help me: that 
Thou wouldst strengthen them; O strengthen 
me: that Thou wouldst deliver them; O de- 
liver me. 

Lord, I know not to whom to go in my present 
state but to Thee. In the multitude of my 
thoughts within me, Thy comforts delight my 
soul, Thy word of promise raises me up. Be- 
cause I know that Thou art the Defender of Thy 
faithful ones, the Helper of the forsaken, the 
Refuge of the afflicted, the Support of the help- 
less, I am of good courage, and cling to Thee. I 
will hold fast to Thee and Thy Word. If my 
pain and anxiety increase, I will sigh : "Lord, I 
will not let Thee go except Thou bless me." 
Though Thy help delay, it will come at last. 
Thou, Lord, layest burdens upon us, but Thou 
dost also help us to bear them. And if Thou 
dost help me, my burden shall not become too 
heavy for me. 

Thou wast my Refuge even when I lay as a 
child in my mother's arms; and Thou shalt re- 
main through all my life my Refuge in every 
time of need. God is my Refuge and Strength, 
a very present Help in trouble. Therefore will 
I not. fear. And why should I? The I^ord is 



God's Promises. 39 

with me. The Lord is my Light and my Salva- 
tion, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the 
Strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? 
In God's name I will cheerfully perform the task 
which awaits me ; and with His help I will labor 
and overcome. O gracious God, strengthen my 
faith, and give me unshaken confidence in Thy 
promises. Let me, guarded against all mishaps, 
reach the time of my delivery in safety. In the 
meantime I will pray and sing, trusting in Thee, 
until at last I am joyfully delivered. Then will 
I through all my life offer to Thee in Thy temple 
and in my heart the sacrifice of praise and 
thanksgiving for all Thy mercies. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare, 
Jesus loves to answer prayer : 
He Himself has bid thee pray, 
Therefore will not say Thee nay. 

Thou art coming to a King: 
Large petitions with Thee bring; 
For His grace and power are such, 
None can ever ask too much. 

With my burden I begin : 
Lord, remove this load of sin! 
Let Thy blood, for sinners spilt, 
Set my conscience free from guilt. 



7s. 



40 For Use in Pregnancy. 

Lord, I come to Thee for rest : 

Take possession of my breast; 

There Thy blood-bought right maintain. 

And without a rival reign. 

While I am a pilgrim here. 

Let Thy loye my spirit cheer : 

As my Guide, my Guard, my Friend, 

Lead me to my journey's end. 

Show me what I haye to do, 
Eyery hour my strength renew ; 
Let me liye a life of faith. 
Let me die Thy people's death. 

— John Newton, i~~g. 



THE PREGNANT WOMAN REJOICES IN 
THE ALMIGHTY POWER OF GOD. 

MEDITATION. 

IF we reflect upon the conception, preserva- 
tion, growth, and birth of a child, we can- 
not sufficiently exalt the omnipotence of 
God. Without His almighty power no child 
could be born. And when one is born, it is always 
a miracle in the eyes of the believers. 

Knowing this, a pious wife should (1) trust in 
the omnipotence of God. As many children as 
she has already borne, so many tokens of God's 
almighty power has she already received. And 



God's Power. 41 

since the almighty hand of God has helped 
others, she should (2) comfort herself with the 
assurance that He will also help her. (3) When- 
ever she is inclined to lose courage she should 
recall the words of the angel who said, "With 
God nothing shall be impossible," Luke 1: 37. 
Since, then, there is nothing impossible with 
God, the pregnant woman should take comfort. 
(4) Should complications arise which did not 
arise in the case of others, she should still not 
lose her trust in God. For just because God is 
almighty, He can heal all dangerous wounds, 
remove all heavy burdens, and turn aside all 
threatening perils. While human beings are at 
hand at the birth of a child, God's almighty 
hand is there also, ruling over all, and causing 
everything to come to a happy conclusion. 

PRAYER. 

O my God, how my soul rejoices when I think 
of Thine omnipotence — of Thine almighty 
hands, which can do all things, and deliver out 
of every trouble. If I look upon myself in my 
present state, I see that everything depends upon 
Thy omnipotence. Thy almighty power must 
carry me in its arms, if I am not to fall; Thy 
almighty power must alleviate my sufferings^ 
yea, must do all that needs to be done in the 
trouble that awaits me. When I think of my 



42 For Qse in Pregnancy. 

offspring, I realize that Thy omnipotence must 
preserve, strengthen, and guard it, and cause it 
to behold the light of day. My greatest consola* 
tion now, as always, is, that Thou art an almighty 
God. If I am weak, Thou art strong. If I am 
needy, Thou art all-powerful. If I am impotent, 
Thou art limitless in power. 

This consolation no one shall take from me, 
that God can help me, and that God will help 
me. He that is our God is the God of salvation ; 
and unto God the Lord belong the issues from 
death. Since God is almighty, no evil can befall 
me. Since God is almighty, I shall be delivered 
out of trouble. Therefore, O almighty God, I 
commend myself wholly to Thee. Watch over 
me, keep me, strengthen me. Let Thine almighty 
power preserve me during my pregnancy, and 
bring me in safety to the time of my delivery, 
Let Thine almighty power strengthen me when 
the hour of my travail approaches, support me 
when it has come, and be with me in the begin- 
ning, middle, and end of my labor, till I have be- 
come a happy mother. Let Thy almighty power 
provide for me a safe delivery and a joyful vision 
of my child. 

Whatever happens, I will not fear, because I 
have a mighty God. I will not despair when 
my need becomes great, because I have an 
almighty God. I will be of good courage while I 



God's Power, 43 

labor; because I have an almighty God. In my 
need and pain I will cry and sigh : O almighty 
God, help me! I lean on Thee, I hope in Thee; 
Thy child waits for Thy hour of help. O merci- 
ful Father, hasten to me then with Thy almighty 
power; let me hear joy and gladness, that the 
bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice. Let 
Thine omnipotence chase away from me all dan- 
ger. Let it preserve my offspring, give me 
strength, and gladden me with a happy delivery. 
Then as long as I live I will praise and magnify 
Thy almighty power and say : Bless the Lord, O 
my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Amen. 



HYMN. 

My God, my only Help and Hope, 
My strong and sure Defence, 

For all my safety and my peace 
I bless Thy Providence. 

The daily favors of my God 

I cannot sing at large : 
Yet let me make this holy boast, 

I am the Almighty's charge. 

Lord, in the day Thou art about 
The paths wherein I tread; 

And in the night, when I lie down, 
Thou art about my bed. 



C. M. 



44 For Use in Pregnancy. 

Naked I came into the world, 
And nothing with me brought; 

And nothing have I here deserved, 
Yet have I lacked nought. 

I do not bless my laboring hand, 
My laboring head, or chance ; 

Thy Providence, most gracious God, 
Is mine inheritance. 

—John Mason, 1683. 



THE PREGNANT WOMAN COMFORTS 

HERSELF WITH THE HOPE OF 

GOD'S HELP. 

MEDITATION. 

IF needy persons see that great perils, mani- 
fold sufferings, heavy burdens, and toil- 
some labors await them, they are neverthe- 
less of good courage if they can count on some 
one to stand by them in their perils, to help them 
in their sufferings, to lighten their burdens, and 
to assist them in their labors. And this is a 
comfort which pregnant women also have. (1) 
Though they know their confinement is not un- 
attended by danger, they say, "The Lord is with 
me; therefore I will not fear." (2) Though they 
must endure much pain, they say to God, "Thou 
art my Helper and my Deliverer. My God, delay 



God's Help. 45 

not." (3) Though their burden daily becomes 
heavier, they remember that, while the Lord lays 
burdens upon us, He also helps to bear them. 
(4) Though they tremble at the thought of their 
approaching labor, they believe that the Lord 
will bless them, and help them through it. 
Should not the fact that God in the Holy Scrip- 
tures calls Himself their helper be especially cal- 
culated to make them of good courage? If God 
helps them, they are helped indeed. While hu- 
man beings often have the will, but lack the abil- 
ity to help; God is both willing and able to do 
so. Therefore, though matters look ever so 
gloomy and full of danger, such women should 
cling to this truth: "The Lord is my Helper." 

PRAYER. 

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why 
art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in 
God : for I shall yet praise Him for the help of 
His countenance. Yes, my God, this is my com- 
fort in my present condition, that Thou wilt give 
me the help of Thy countenance. Do I pale with 
fear? Thou canst drive away all fear by Thy 
glorious help. Are my cheeks wet with tears? 
Thou canst wipe them away by coming to my 
rescue. Therefore I will trust in Thee, and will 
meet every threatening peril with this comfort : 
"God is my Helper, and will remain my Helper." 



46 For Use in Pregnane}/. 

O mighty God, when I need help, make haste 
to help me. If Thou dost not save me, I am lost. 
When my sufferings become severe, do Thou 
mercifully sustain me. Thou art my only Ref- 
uge, my God, and my Stay. I know of none 
other. If Thou wilt not help me, who can? Help 
me, O God of my salvation, and hear me when I 
pray. Help me when danger threatens. Help 
me when my hour has come. With joyful trust 
I will say with Jesus, "Father, save me from this 
hour." If I have Thee with me, I shall overcome, 
and my sorrow shall be turned into joy. How 
gloriously Thou hast helped others! O help me 
also! Thou art still the same strong, merciful, 
and almighty God that Thou hast always been. 
Lord, I persevere in prayer like the woman of 
Cana, and say : "Lord, help me ! yea, I will not 
leave Thee, I will not cease, until Thou hast 
helped me." 

Come, O Father of grace and mercy, and help 
Thy child, whom none can help but Thou. 
Come, O Jesus, Thou Saviour of all men, abide 
with me till I am safely delivered. Come and 
support me, O blessed Holy Spirit, and give me 
the assurance of speedy help. O Triune God, to 
Thee I flee, in Thee I trust. Help me whenever 
Thou pleasest ; but while Thou delayest, support 
me by Thy grace. Help me in my need; deliver 



God's Help. 47 

me out of my trouble. Then will I give Thee 
joyful thanks. Amen. 



HYMN. 



Dear Eefuge of my weary soul, 

On Thee when sorrows rise, 
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll, 

My fainting hope relies. 

To Thee I tell each rising grief, 
For Thou alone canst heal; 

Thy Word can bring a sweet relief 
For every pain I feel. 

Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face? 

And shall I seek in vain? 
And can the ear of Sovereign grace 

Be deaf when I complain? 

No, still the ear of sovereign grace 
Attends the mourner's prayer: 

O may I ever find access, 

To breathe my sorrows there. 

— Anne Steele, 1760. 



C. M. 



FOR WOMEN IN TRAVAIL. 



DEVOTIONS AT THE APPROACH OP 
LABOR, 

MEDITATION. 

WHEN St. Paul promises to Christian 
women that they shall be saved in 
childbearing, he does not mean that 
they can acquire salvation by bearing children. 
For salvation has been acquired by Jesus Christ 
alone through His sufferings and death. But 
the apostle means that, although women must 
in consequence of the Fall bring forth children 
with sorrow, they nevertheless have a gracious 
and merciful God ; and that if they die in labor, 
they can and will nevertheless die happy, if they 
only continue in faith and charity and holiness 
with sobriety. It is required of them, therefore, 
(1) that they remain in faith. When the time of 
labor approaches, they should not lose their 
trust, nor murmur against God ; but should con- 
tinue in faith, hope, and confidence, even though 
it goes hard with them ; and should call to mind 
the precious promises and the omnipotence of 
God. 

They should (2) continue in charity or love. 
They should love God from the heart, and say 

48 



Meditation. 49 

in faith : "Be not far from me, O Lord, with Thy 
help and grace." They should continue in love 
toward Him and their fellowmen. 

They should make their peace beforehand with 
God and their neighbor. And it is a good cus- 
tom, followed by many pregnant women, to par- 
take of the Lord's Supper, thereby sanctifying 
and offering themselves unto God. 

They should also continue in love toward 
their offspring. They should be careful not to 
do it any injury by neglect, nor to destroy it by 
their arbitrary conduct; but should willingly 
listen to the advice of those who surround them 
at the time. If loveless mothers, during labor, 
act obstinately toward their poor children, and 
are not willing to bear what God lays upon 
them, nor to fulfil a duty from which empresses, 
queens and princesses are not free but which 
they must fulfil as well as other women; then 
they become the murderesses of their own off- 
spring, and will have to accuse themselves before 
God of having slain their children before birth 
by their refusal to labor properly. 

Finally they should (3) continue in holiness 
with sobriety. They should lead a holy, chaste, 
and Christian life, pray diligently for their 
child, shun sin, and, abiding in holiness, await 
the hour of their delivery. 



50 F&r Women in Travail. 



PRAYER. 

Lord, God Almighty! Faithful and loving 
Father! The hour of travail conies nearer and 
nearer. Do Thou come near unto me with Thy 
help and grace. I draw nigh to Thee in prayer, 
with heartfelt trust, full confidence, and living 
faith in Thy gracious assistance. O draw nigh 
unto me in Thy goodness and mercy. Come to 
me, abide with me in my travail. If I have Thee 
with me, then I have the mightiest Deliverer, 
the most powerful Helper, the truest Friend. 
Give me a cheerful spirit, and enable me to be 
undismayed. Dispel all fear, and let the assur- 
ance that Thou art with me strengthen my soul. 
Strengthen my body also, that I may not grow 
faint, but may, by Thy power, perform and joy- 
fully complete my labor. Thy power will make 
all things easy for me. Hold Thou me up, and I 
shall be safe. 

Grant also wisdom and understanding to 
those who attend upon me, that they may prop- 
erly order everything, and may not make any 
mistakes in dealing with me. Bless their efforts, 
so that they, together with me, may magnify 
Thee for Thy goodness. Grant me grace to fol- 
low all good advice, and thus avoid the respon- 
sibility of harming myself or my child. O gra- 
cious God, hear my prayer and that of all those 



Prayer. 51 

who surround me. If it be Thy will, let my labor 
be short and end happily. Let me joyfully be- 
hold my child alive, and become a happy mother. 
Behold, Lord, here am I. Do with me as seem- 
eth good in Thy sight. Leave me not, neither 
forsake me, Thou God of my salvation. Abide 
with me in the extremity of my trouble; 
strengthen my patience, that I may not grow 
weary, and my hope, that I may not grow dis- 
couraged. I am able to do all things through 
Christ who strengthened me. O heavenly 
Father, bless, keep, and preserve me. O Jesus, 
abide with me, strengthen and quicken me. O 
Holy Spirit, make intercession for me with 
groanings which cannot be uttered, and bear wit- 
ness with my spirit that I am in truth a child 
of God. The love of the Father shield me; the 
grace of the Son quicken me; the fellowship of 
the Holy Ghost sustain me. Amen. 

HYMN. 

O Thou, to those all-searching sight 
The darkness shineth as the light! 
Search, prove my heart ; it pants for Thee : 
O burst these bonds, and set it free. 

Wash out its stains, refine its dross; 
Nail my affections to the cross. 
Hallow each thought ; let all within 
Be clean, as Thou, my Lord, art clean. 



52 For Women in Travail. 

If in this darksome wild I stray, 

Be Thou my Light, be Thou my Way; 

No foes, no violence I fear, 

No fraud, while Tliou, my God, art near. 

When rising floods my soul o'erflow, 
When sinks my heart in waves of woe, 
Jesus, Thy timely aid impart, 
And raise my head, and cheer my heart. 

Saviour, whene'er Thy steps I see, 
Dauntless, untired, I'd follow Thee; 
O let Thy hand support me still. 
And lead me to Thy holy hill. 

If rough and thorny be the way, 
My strength proportion to my day; 
Till toil and grief and pain shall cease, 
Where all is calm, and joy, and peace. 

— Nicholas Louis, Count Zinzendorf. 
John Wesley, Tr. 1730. 



MEDITATION AT THE APPROACH OF 
LABOR. 

GODLY wives often fear and tremble when 
the hour of labor is at hand. But why 
should ye be afraid? Ye have God with 
you. The God who has laid these pains upon 
you will also help to bear and overcome them. 
In the hour of your travail remember (1) that 
God is a kind and gracious God. His thoughts 



Meditation. 53 

toward you are thoughts of good and not of evil. 
All things shall work together for good to them 
that love God. Since He is a gracious God, He 
will show niercy unto you, and have compassion 
upon your need and sorrow. Remember (2) that 
God is faithful. He knows your strength and 
power of endurance better than you do your- 
selves. God is faithful, who will not let you be 
tried above that ye are able, but will with the 
trial also make a way of escape that ye may be 
able to bear it. Eemember (3) that God is merci- 
ful. Like as a Father pitieth His children, so 
He will pity you. Eemember (4) that God is 
mighty. What you are not able to do, God is; 
for His strength is mighty in our weakness. Do 
not look on your own weak strength, but on 
the power of God. He will do all that is need- 
ful, and will strengthen your hands and arms 
and limbs. Thus David gives all glory to God, 
when he says : "I was cast upon Thee from the 
womb." 

Remember, finally, (5) that your pains will 
not endure long, — not for days and years like 
David's troubles, or like the sickness of the im- 
potent man at Bethesda, but only for an hour. 
And if they should endure longer, God is able to 
bring them to a happy end at last. You should 
trust in Him, and console yourself with the 
promise of His help. 



54 For Women in Travail. 



PRAYER BEPOEE LABOR. 

IORD God Almighty! The hour of my 
j labor is now at hand. I come to Thee 
and pray, O leave me not ! O be with me, 
give me strength to labor, and deliver me gra- 
ciously. Lighten the pains of travail which 
Thou hast laid upon woman. Thou didst impose 
these pains upon Eve and her daughters at the 
same time that Thou didst mercifully promise to 
send Jesus, the seed of the woman and the Re- 
deemer of men. Therefore I regard the pains 
which I am called on to suffer, not as the pun- 
ishment of an angry Judge, but as the chastise- 
ment of a loving and reconciled Father, to re- 
mind me of the Fall, and at the same time to 
remind me of my reconciliation with God 
through Jesus Christ. O strong and almighty 
God, help me. In Thee is my help, toward Thee 
is my desire. My God, I trust in Thee; let me 
not be put to shame. Make haste to help me, O 
Lord, my Help. O Jesus, who didst become 
man, I pray Thee, have mercy on me for the sake 
of Thy holy birth and incarnation. Help me 
to pass through this hour, and deliver me. O 
blessed Holy Spirit, remain in my heart, and 
cry, Abba, Father. Bear witness with my Spirit 
that even in the midst of my pains I am still a 



Prayer Before Labor. 55 

child of God. O Thou Holy Trinity, help me, 
and have mercy upon me. Amen. 



ANOTHER PRAYER BEFORE LABOR. 

OTHOU loving God, who hast promised to 
sustain us in our sufferings and weak- 
ness! Thou knowest my condition, and 
seest the ordeal for which I am preparing. All 
my hope is in Thee. O mighty God, who dost 
sustain the doe and her young in the wild forest, 
in frost and snow; O let my offspring be com- 
mended to Thy care. Bless those who assist me 
in my labor, and do Thou Thyself in mercy help 
and deliver me. Thou hast said: "Fear thou 
not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for 
I am thy God. I will strengthen thee: yea, I 
will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the 
right hand of my righteousness." In this Thy 
gracious promise I put my trust, and cheerfully 
begin the work to which Thou hast called me. 
I will be content and wait for Thy help. I will 
suffer patiently whatever Thou in Thy wisdom 
seest fit to let come upon me. Only be Thou 
not far from me, O Lord, Lord, my Help in 
trouble. 

Be and remain a gracious God to the child 
which Thou hast entrusted to me. Preserve, O 



56 For Women in Travail. 

Lord, what Thy hands have made. Loose in due 
time the bands of nature. And though all hu- 
man beings should despair, do Thou manifest 
Thy power and wondrous grace in me. Let 
Thy strength be mighty in my weakness. 
Strengthen me in body and soul, soothe and 
lighten my pains, and let my child, sound and 
healthy, behold the light of day. Lay it alive 
in my arms and hands. Then, with outstretched 
arms and folded hands I will give Thee thanks, 
and will give my child to Thee again in Holy 
Baptism as an offering and as Thy child. 

But if Thou shouldest have decreed that I 
shall yield up my spirit in labor, Thy will be 
done. Thou art my God, my Lord, my Father; 
I am Thy creature, Thy hand-maiden, Thy child. 
Do with me as Thou wilt. I am prepared for 
life or death. And though Thou slay me, yet 
will I trust in Thee. Grant me a patient and 
willing heart, steadfast faith, and firm confi- 
dence. Amen. 



PRAYER DURING LABOR. 

IORD, Lord, great in counsel and mighty 
in work! Behold here I am, sighing 
only for Thy help. Thou alone canst 
save me. I acknowledge, to Thy glory, that the 
birth of a human being is a miracle which is ut- 



Prayer During Labor. 57 

terly beyond the power of man, and which Thou 
alone canst work. Therefore I humbly pray 
Thee, O almighty God, to manifest Thine omnip- 
otence. Thou knowest what pains I suffer ; for 
Thou Thyself hast laid them upon me. Whether 
I sit or stand, whether I walk or lie down, Thou 
knowest it, O Lord; for Thou art ever with me. 
Thou seest my tears ; and my sighing is not hid 
from Thee. I call to mind now Thine almighty 
power ; Thou art able to do abundantly above all 
that we ask or think. No danger is so great that 
Thou art not able to deliver from it. Behold, 
Thy mighty hands have prepared my child, have 
given it flesh and blood, and have for a long time 
already sustained its being and life. Therefore 
in Thy mercy bring it to the light of this world. 
Lord, Lord, who hast helped so many thous- 
ands in all parts of the world; Thou wilt also, 
in Thy lovingkindness, help me. I trust in Thy 
grace and truth. Let them keep me in all my 
ways. If matters begin to look threatening, 
speak Thy consolation to my soul, and say, "I 
will be with Thee in trouble ; I will deliver Thee : 
I will not leave Thee nor forsake Thee." Let me 
faithfully do my part, that I may retain a good 
conscience; but do Thou strengthen my weak- 
ness. Then shall my sorrow be turned into joy. 
Amen. 



58 For Women in Travail. 

ANOTHER PRAYER DURING LABOR, 

O GRACIOUS and merciful God! Thou 
hast said: "Call upon me in the day of 
trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou 
shalt glorify me." In accordance with this com- 
mand I now come to Thee in this hour of trouble, 
and cry, Abba, Father. O, hear my voice, and 
hide not Thyself from my supplications. Re- 
member that I am Thy child, and let not my 
pains exceed my powers of endurance. Lord, 
when I suffer, do Thou alleviate my distress. 
Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy upon me. 
By Thy holy birth and incarnation help me, O 
Lord God! Sustain me, strengthen me, cheer 
me. O Holy Spirit, Thou Comforter in trouble, 
give to my soul the blessed assurance that I shall 
soon be a happy mother. Bring my anxious 
prayer before the throne of God. And when for 
very terror I cannot pray, do Thou, O Jesus, 
pray for me, and Thou, O blessed Holy Spirit, 
make intercession for me with groanings which 
cannot be uttered. 

O Triune God, stretch out Thy hand to me and 
my child, even as we stretch out our heart and 
hands to Thee. Let us not perish nor suffer 
harm. Manifest Thy power in us ; then will we 
praise and exalt Thy might, not only here on 
earth, but through all eternity. Bless my child, 






Prayer During Labor. 50 

Thy creature; let it not perish, but mercifully 
preserve it by Thy power. Help me to do my 
duty. And grant that by Thy grace I may joy- 
full behold my little one. Lord God, the Father 
in heaven, have mercy upon me. Lord God the 
Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy upon 
me. Lord God the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon 
me. Amen. 



ANOTHER PRAYER DURING LABOR. 

GRACIOUS and powerful God, the hour is 
at hand which Thou hast appointed for 
my delivery. Therefore I turn to Thee, 
and cry, Father, help me through this hour. In 
Thy name I begin my labor ; in Thy name I will 
complete it. Lord, my Creator, be with me and 
strengthen me. Jesus, Thou Son of God, who 
wast born a member of our race, abide with me 
and quicken me. O, clasp me in Thine arms, and 
hold me. O blessed Holy Spirit give me patience 
and cheerfulness in my labor; have mercy upon 
me and encourage me. O Holy Trinity, Father, 
Son, and Holy Ghost, make haste to help me. 
Arise, Lord, and save me, or I perish. 

O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away 
the sin of the world, have mercy upon me. O 
Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the 
sin of the world, have mercy upon me. O 



60 For Women in Travail. 

Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the 
sin of the world, grant me Thy peace. Amen. 



scripture passages and short 

prayers to be used during 

'labor. 

Ps. 145: 18, 19. The Lord is nigh unto all them 
that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. 
He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He 
also will hear their cry, and will save them. 

OMY Jesus, be with me, remain with me, 
help me. O fulfil my desire ; for I desire 
nothing but what Thou hast promised in 
Thy Word to give, namely, Thy help. 



Ps. 43: 5. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? 
* and why art thou disquieted within me ? hope in God : 
for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my 
countenance and my God. 

O my Jesus, I wait for Thy salvation, I trust 
in Thy help. O let it speedily appear. Thou 
alone art my Hope. O hear me! gladden me! 
deliver me! Then will I give Thee thanks for- 
ever. 



Short Prayers. 61 

Isa. 54: 6-8. For the Lord hath called thee as a 
woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of 
youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a 
small moment have I forsaken thee ; but with great 
mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my 
face from thee for a moment ; but with everlasting 
kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy 
Redeemer. 

My God, have mercy upon me ; forsake me not : 
Thou art my God. O merciful God, I lift up 
mine eyes toward heaven, and long for Thy help. 
Hide not Thy face from me, strengthen me by 
Thy grace, support me with Thy hand. O Lord, 
how long wilt Thou delay? 



Isa. 59: 1. Behold, the Lord's hand is not short- 
ened, that it cannot save. 

I know, O God, that nothing is impossible with 
Thee; and therefore I trust in Thee. Lord, 
stretch forth Thy hand and save me, as Thou 
didst Peter when he began to sink. Thy hand 
can deliver out of every trouble. O Lord, have 
pity on me ; I long for Thy mercy. 



Ps. 91 : 14-16. Because he hath set his love upon 
me, therefore will I deliver him : I will set him on high, 
because he hath known my name. He shall call upon 
me, and I will answer him : I will be with him in 
trouble ; I will deliver him, and honor him. With 
long life will I satisfy him, and show him my sal- 
vation. 



62 For Women in Travail. 

O my Jesus, since no one can help me but 
Thou, hasten to my rescue with Thy gracious 
help. Behold, I am now in trouble ; O be with me 
according to Thy promise. I have set my love 
upon Thee: O deliver me. When Thou saidst, 
Seek ye my face, my heart said unto Thee, Thy 
face, Lord, will I seek. 



Isa. 54 : 10. For the mountains shall depart, and the 
hills be removed ; but my kindness shall not depart 
from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be 
removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. 

O Jesus, take not Thy grace and Thy Holy 
Spirit from me. Let not Thy loving kindness 
depart from me. Strengthen me in and for the 
labor which I am now performing. Remember 
the covenant which Thou madest with me in 
Holy Baptism. By virtue of that covenant Thou 
art my Father, and I am Thy child. O Father, 
remember Thy child, help Thy child, have mercy 
upon Thy child. 



Ps. 103 : 13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so 
the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 

O my gracious God and Father! I know not 
where to seek and find consolation and help but 
in Thee alone. Therefore I cry to Thee: O 
help me, my Father. Have mercy upon me, my 



Short Prayers. 63 

Father. O let Thy Father-heart pity me, and 
let me speedily be made happy. Thou canst do 
it; O do so for Thy mercy's sake. 



Ps. 30: 5. For His anger endureth but a moment; 
in His favor is life : weeping may endure for a night, 
but joy cometh in the morning. 

O God, help me in pain and suffering; turn 
my weeping into joy. Thou alone art my Help 
and my Strength. Save me, and let me find 
grace. Do not pass Thy handmaiden by. In Thy 
favor is life; O do Thou sustain my life and the 
life of my child. Let us live before Thee, that 
we may praise Thy name. 



Ps. 71 : 1-3. In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust : 
let me never be put to confusion. Deliver me in Thy 
righteousness, and cause me to escape : incline Thine 
ear unto me, and save me. Be Thou my strong habita- 
tion, whereunto I may continually resort : Thou- hast 
given commandment to save me; for Thou art my 
rock and my fortress. 

O Lord, Thou knowest well what sorrow and 
pain I endure. Lord, Lord, the greater my dis- 
tress becomes, the more will I cry for help. I 
will do as Jesus did when He .wrestled with 
death, and will pray more earnestly. 



64 For Women in Travail. 

Ps. 130: 6. My soul waiteth for the Lord more 
than they that watch for the morning : I say more than 
they that watch for the morning. 

My God, my firm resolve is and shall remain, 
not to doubt Thy help, no matter how long it 
may delay. Though Thou hidest Thy face from 
me for a small moment, yet with great mercies 
wilt Thou gather me. 



Isa. 38 : 14. Like a crane or a swallow, so did I 
chatter : I did mourn as a dove : mine eyes fail with 
looking upward : O Lord, I am oppressed ; undertake 
for me. 

Out of the depths I cry unto Thee, O Lord. 
Lord, hear my voice. O Jesus, Thou wilt be my 
Helper. All my help is in Thee. O, do unto me 
as Thou hast promised. In Thy name I have 
begun my labor; O, add Thy blessing to my en- 
deavors. Help me and my child. Enable us joy- 
fully to behold one another, and to live before 
Thee. Lord, have mercy upon us. 



Ps. 25 : 15-18. Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord ; 
for He shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn Thee 
unto me, and have mercy upon me ; for I am desolate 
and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged : 
O bring Thou me out of my distresses. Look upon 
mine affliction and my pain ; and forgive all my sins. 

Lord Jesus, I turn to Thee in faith : O come 
to me ; behold how I suffer. Strengthen my faith 



Short Prayers. 65 

and sustain my confidence, that I may not fall 
from Thee. O, stand by my side. Lord, hear 
my prayer; forsake me not. O, when will the 
moment come that shall gladden me with Thy 
help? 



Rev. 22 : 20. Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even 
so, come, Lord Jesus. 

O my Jesus, my heart's desire and longing is, 
that Thou mayest come quickly. O come and 
deliver me ; come and gladden me ; come and save 
me. Come, and let me behold what my eyes long 
to see. 



Ps. 39 : 7, 12. And now, Lord, what wait I for ? my 
hope is in Thee. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give 
ear unto my cry ; hold not Thy peace at my tears. 

Lord Jesus, hasten to me. Save me, O God, 
and I shall be saved. Thou art my only refuge 
in this time of trouble. Therefore I flee to Thee. 
O come, O come, O help me. 



Isa. 49 : 29, 31. He giveth power to the faint ; and 
to them that have no might He increaseth strength, 
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their 
strength ; they shall mount up as eagles ; they shall 
run, and not be weary ; and they shall walk, and not 
faint. 



66 For Women in Travail. 

O Lord, my God, give me new strength. Be- 
stow upon me the courage, power and strength 
of Thy Holy Spirit. I am too weak to perform 
this labor ; but in the power of my God I can do 
all things. Lord, Lord, strengthen me this time 
also. My God, help me to overcome. Blessed be 
the name of the Lord. 



Ps. 94: 17, 19. Unless the Lord had been my help, 
my soul had almost dwelt in silence. In the multitude 
of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my 
soul. 

Lord God Almighty, from whom cometh all 
our help! Thou hast said, "Call upon Me in the 
day of trouble." In accordance with Thy com- 
mand I cry to Thee, and say: Lord, help me. 
Lord have mercy upon me. Take away the sor- 
row and anxiety of my soul. Grant me what 
I hope, give me what I ask. Lord, it lies in Thy 
hands. 



Rom. 5 : 3-5. We glory in tribulations also : know- 
ing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, 
experience ; ancj. experience, hope : and hope maketh 
not ashamed. 

O Lord, help me according to Thy loving-kind- 
ness and tender mercy. I wait for Thy help; I 
hope for a happy delivery. It rests with Tkee.- 



Short Prayers. 67 

Look upon me, a sorrowful woman, and make 
me glad again. Let Thy hour come, that I may 
with joyful mouth give thanks to Thee. 



Ps. 142 : 1, 2. I cried unto the Lord with my voice : 
with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplica- 
tion. I poured out my complaint before Him; I 
shewed before Him all my trouble. 

Lord God Almighty, who dost not despise the 
prayer of the needy and the desire of the hum- 
ble : hearken to the prayer which we bring before 
Thee in our trouble, and mercifully hear us. 



Ps. 55: 1, 2, 4. Give ear to my prayer, O, God; 
and hide not Thyself from my supplication. Attend 
unto me and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and 
make a noise. My heart is sore pained within me : and 
the terrors of death are fallen upon me. 

O Lord, Lord, Thou canst help; for Thou art 
an almighty God. Thou desirest to help; for 
Thou art my loving God and Father. O there- 
fore hear me; cause Thy face to shine, and I 
shall be saved. 



II Cor. 6 : 2. For He saith, I have heard thee in a 
time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I suc- 
cored thee: behold, now is the accepted time.; .behold, 
.now .is the day of salvation.- 



68 For Women in Travail. 

O Lord, is Thine hour not yet come? How 
long wilt Thou forget me, O Lord? Yet I know 
that Thou, Lord, hast not forgotten me: Thy 
love is too great, Thy heart too tender. O, for 
Thy goodness sake deliver me. O how long, how 
long will Thy help tarry? 



Ps. 119: 169, 174, 175. Let my cry come before 
Thee, O Lord : give me understanding according to 
Thy Word. I have longed for Thy salvation, O Lord; 
and Thy law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it 
shall praise Thee; and let Thy judgments help me. 

O Lord, my God, in all my pain and sorrow 
I will look to Thee alone. I will not look around 
me, for here there are none but w r eak human be- 
ings; but I will look above me, to heaven, to 
Thee, O almighty God. O let Thy grace support 
me, and Thy arm deliver me. Save me, O God 
of my salvation, and I shall be saved. 



Jer. 31: 13. I will turn their mourning into joy, 
and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from 
their sorrow. 

O my God, deliver me from my burden. De- 
lay not longer with Thy help. Turn my mourn- 
ing into joy, and make me rejoice from my sor- 
row. In God is my salvation and my glory : the 
rock of my strength and my refuge is in God. 



Short Prayers. 69 

Ps. 121 : 1, 2. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, 
from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from 
the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 

O Lord, Triune God! In Thee have I put all 
my trust ; my soul f ainteth for Thee. Lord God 
the Father, have mercy upon me and my child. 
Lord Jesus, strengthen and sustain me. O Holy 
Ghost, give me the consolation that I shall soon 
be made to rejoice, and shall be delivered, and 
quickened, and helped. O Triune God, have 
mercy upon me. 



Hab. 2 : 3. For the vision [the promise of divine 
help] is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it 
shall speak, and not lie : though it tarry, wait for it ; 
because it will surely come, it will not tarry. 

O yes, my God, I will not let Thee go, except 
Thou bless me and help me. O let the hour of 
Thy help come. In the meantime I will continue 
in prayer and supplication, and say, "Lord Jesus. 
help me to overcome; Lord Jesus, help me to 
wrestle." My delivery, my life, my help, are in 
Thy hands. 



Ps. 13 : 1-3. How long wilt Thou forget me, O 
Lord? for ever? how long wilt Thou hide Thy face 
from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, 
having sorrow in my heart daily? Consider and hear 
me. 



70 For Women in Travail. 

O my gracious and merciful God! Since Thy 
help delays, I tremble; yet I will not despair. 
Thou art my Father, and I am Thy child. O 
hide not Thy face from me any longer. Speak 
but the word, and I shall be whole. When Thou 
speakest, it is done; when Thou commandest, it 
stands fast. Lord, in mercy hear me. 



Jer. 17: 14, 17. Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be 
healed ; save me, and I shall be saved : for Thou art 
my praise. Be not a terror unto me: Thou art my 
hope in the day of evil. 

O Jesus, all my hope is now in Thee and Thy 
almighty power. Help me, O Saviour, speedily, 
if it be Thy holy will. Save me, and let me re- 
joice in Thy salvation. O how I shall laud and 
magnify Thy name when Thou shalt have gra- 
ciously delivered me ! My help is in the name of 
the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 



Ps. 13 : 5, 6. But I have trusted in Thy mercy ; my 
heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing unto 
the Lord, because He hath dealt bountifully with me. 

O Thou faithful Saviour and loving Friend! 
When Thou saidst, Seek ye my face, my heart 
said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. I 
know that Thou canst help and dost gladly help, 



Short Prayers. 71 

Therefore I hope in Thee. From moment to 
moment do I hope. O God, let this be the time. 
Lord help me in Thy mercy. My hope stands 
firm in Thee. 



Lament. 3: 18-21. And I said, My strength and my 
hope is perished from the Lord: remembering mine 
affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. 
My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is hum- 
bled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have 
I hope. 

O yes, my God remembers me. Therefore I 
say, "The Lord remembers me and blesses me, 
and lets His face shine." Though my own power 
is weak, and I have no strength to labor, yet I 
have power and strength in and through God. 
I shall yet rejoice in Thy salvation. 



Ps. 71: 20, 21. Thou, which hast showed me great 
and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt 
bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou 
shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every 
side. 

O God, if Thou hast decreed that I shall suffer 
great distress and pain, O do not let them be too 
severe. Thou knowest my power of endurance; 
and the amount of my strength is not hidden 
from Thee. O quicken me therefore. When I 
sink, lift me up ; when I faint, refresh me ; when 



72 For Women in Travail. 

I am weary, give me new strength. Lord, God of 
my life, preserve my life and that of my child. 
Then I will praise and bless Thy name for ever. 



Isa. 12: 2, 5. Behold, God is my salvation; I will 
trust, and not be afraid : for the Lord Jehovah is my 
strength and my song; He also is become my salva- 
tion. Sing unto the Lord ; for He hath done excellent 
things: this is known in all the earth. 

O yes, my God, this is my consolation, that my 
sufferings shall have a good and happy end, be- 
cause Thou art my Strength, my Help, and my 
Deliverance. If I have God with me, I am safe. 
Therefore I will be calm and hopeful. In quiet- 
ness and confidence shall be my strength. I 
can do all things through Christ which strength- 
eneth me. 



Ps. 22: 11, 15. Be not far from me; for trouble 

is near; for there is none to help. My strength is 

dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to 
my jaws. 

Yea, Thy love and faithfulness, O my Jesus, 
are the ground of my hope and confidence. Thou 
hast loved me with an everlasting love; and in 
Thy love Thou hast often helped and delivered 
me. Therefore I hope that Thou wilt quicken me 
this time also. Although my need is great, and 



Short Prayers. 73 

help still seems distant, and my tongue cleaves 
to the roof of my mouth for weariness, my heart 
is still fixed on Thee, and still trusts that Thou 
wilt bring my sufferings to a happy conclusion. 
This I believe, this I know. O Lord, strengthen 
my faith and confidence. 



Lament. 3: 22, 24. It is of the Lord's mercies that 
we are not consumed, because His compassions fail 
not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faith- 
fulness. The Lord is my : portion, saith my soul; 
therefore will I hope in Him. 

O my gracious God, Thy mercies are not only 
new to me every morning, but every moment. 
Thou strengthenest and sustainest me continu- 
ally. How could I undergo all this without 
Thee? Thy visitation has preserved my spirit. 
Thou hast strengthened head and hands. Con- 
sequently, I am not forsaken. The Lord departs 
not from me, neither do I depart from Him. 
The hour of help will soon come, because I have 
with me Him from whom all help cometh. 



Ps. 4: 1, 3. Hear me when I call, O God of my 
righteousness : Thou hast enlarged me when I was in 
distress ; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. 
But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is 
godly for Himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto 
Him. 



74 For Women in Travail. 

O my God, I know that Thou ever nearest me. 
Therefore will I trust in Thee in this time of 
distress. If fierce tempests come, I will cling 
faithfully to Thee. If Thou leadest me in mys- 
terious ways, lead me safely. I know that Thou 
art with me, even though Thou hast not yet re- 
vealed Thy help. And meanwhile I say, Make 
haste to help me, O Lord, my Strength. 



Lament. 3 : 25, 26. The Lord is good unto them 
that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It 
is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait 
for the salvation of the Lord. 

Yes, my God, my soul waiteth for Thee, and 
my trust is unshaken. O loving Jesus, quicken 
me with Thy grace in my distress. Strengthen 
the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees. I 
hope in Thy mercy; I wait for Thy salvation; 
I comfort myself with Thy grace. O Thou God 
of all mercy, Thou Helper in distress, let me 
experience Thy mercy. 



Ps. 17 : 6-8. I have called upon Thee, for Thou 
wilt hear me, O God : incline Thine ear unto me, and 
hear my speech. Show Thy loving-kindness, O Thou 
that savest by Thy right hand them which put their 
trust in Thee from those that rise up against them. 
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the 
shadow of Thy wings. 



Short Prayers. 75 

O Lord, preserve me and my child from harm. 
Hide us both under the shadow of Thy wings. 
Hear my supplications, and help me. If the 
pains become more severe, let me experience Thy 
help more strongly. I trust in Thee still, even 
though it seems as if Thou wouldest slay me. O, 
Thy hand is not shortened. I look not upon my 
own impotence, but upon Thee, Thou gracious, 
strong, and merciful God. 



Job 5: 18, 19. For He maketh sore, and bindeth 
up : He woundeth, and His hands make whole. He 
shall deliver Thee in six troubles : yea, in seven there 
shall no evil touch thee. 

O God ! The knowledge that in days gone by 
Thou hast so frequently helped me, gives me 
courage to hope that this time Thou wilt also 
be my God, my Deliverer, and my Saviour. 
Thou art still as mighty as Thou wast before. 
Since Thou hast helped so many others, reveal 
Thy goodness in me also. Then when Thy help 
has come, my mouth shall be filled with Thy 
praise, and I will say: "This God has done. 
Blessed be the name of the Lord." 



Deut. 4: 31. For the Lord thy God is a merciful 
God; He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, 
nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware 
unto them. 



76 For Women in Travail. 

O my Father, remember the covenant which 
Thou hast made with me in Holy Baptism. Re- 
member that Thou art my Father, and that I am 
Thy child. O Jesus, remember that Thou hast 
washed and cleansed me with Thy holy blood. 
To Thee I flee, and pray for help in my distress. 
O deliver me; quicken me; cause me to rejoice. 



Lament. 3: 31-33. For the Lord will not cast off 
forever : but though He cause grief, yet will He have 
compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. 
For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children 
of men. 

O yes, . my Shepherd will not forsake His 
sheep, nor my Father His child. Since Thou 
hast distressed me, do Thou also make me re- 
joice again. Since Thou hast bestowed a bless- 
ing upon me, let me also behold it. O Jesus, 
lay my child alive in my arms. I will lav it 
again in Thy loving arms through Holy Bap- 
tism, and thus give back to Thee what Thou hast 
given to me. If it is mine according to nature 
and earthly birth, it shall become Thine by the 
new birth. 



Ps. 68: 19, 20. (Rev. Vers.) Blessed be the Lord, 
who daily beareth our burden, even the God who is 
our salvation. God is unto us a God of deliverances ; 
and unto Jehovah the Lord belong the issues from 
death. 



Short Prayers. 77 

O Lord, Thou hast laid this burden upon me; 
do Thou also remove it. Thou art the Refuge 
and Helper of all believers. O how easy it is for 
Thee to deliver me, and to loose my bonds ! With 
Thee nothing is impossible. Let me remain 
steadfast in this confidence till the hour of my 
redemption has come. 



Ps. 50: 15. Call upon me in the day of trouble: 
I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. 

O my God, I wait for Thy help. Without Thee 
I am wholly forsaken. Therefore I call upon 
Thee in my trouble. Save me, hear me, have 
mercy upon me. Eestore unto me the joy of Thy 
salvation, and uphold me with Thy free Spirit. 



Ps. 30: 8, 10. I cried to Thee, O Lord; and unto 
the Lord I made supplication. Hear, O Lord, and have 
mercy upon me: Lord, be Thou my helper. 

O Lord Jesus, let Thy hour of help arrive soon. 
I wait for Thee with longing. Meanwhile I will 
pray and sigh unto Thee. Thou wilt hear and 
help me according to Thy promise. 



Ps. 109: 21, 26. But do Thou for me, O God the 
Lord, for Thy name's sake : because Thy mercy is good, 
deliver Thou me. Help me, O Lord my God : O save 
me according to Thy mercy. 



78 For Women in Travail. 

This is my consolation in all my sufferings, 
that God, the mighty Defender of His children, 
is with me. To Him I commend myself. He 
will do all things well. 



(If it looks as if death were approaching, the Sen- 
tences, Scripture Passages and Prayers for the Dying, 
given in the Daily Hand-book, should be used. 



FOR THE USE OF MOTHERS 



THE MOTHER THANKS GOD FOR HER 
HAPPY DELIVERY. 

MEDITATION. 

THE Saviour says, John 16 : 21 : "A woman 
when she is in travail hath sorrow be- 
cause her hour is come; but as soon as 
she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no 
more the anguish, for joy that a man is born 
into the world." This is a truth which God lets 
pious wives experience. As soon as the child is 
born, they forget their sorrow, and give thanks 
to God. 

They should praise God (1) for the almighty 
power by which He has preserved them, and for 
the gracious help which He has given. For they 
must acknowledge that without the special help 
of God all their efforts would have been vain. (2) 
They should praise Him for His mercy, in that 
He graciously shortened and alleviated their 
pain. (3) They should thank Him for letting 
them behold their child alive. Or, if the child 
should happen to be dead, they should thank 
Him, that He has received it into His everlast- 
ing joy and glory, and, in His mercy, has given 

79 



80 For the Use of Mothers. 

to it, instead of the earthly life, eternal life in 
heaven. 

They should (4) allow themselves to enjoy the 
rest which their confinement gives them, and 
should not shorten it from vanity, or false econ- 
omy, or by needless exertions. For if women in 
confinement endeavor to show how strong they 
are by going around before they have granted 
themselves sufficient time for rest, they often 
bring dangerous diseases upon themselves, or 
burden themselves with bodily ailments. And 
then they have no one to blame for subsequent 
troubles but themselves and their own impru- 
dence in seeking to be wiser than God, who ap- 
pointed a period of rest for them, because He re- 
garded it as necessary, while they regarded it as 
unnecessary and made light of it. Husbands 
also should do all in their power to let their 
wives secure the proper rest, according to God's 
ordinance, Lev. 12, and not make them over- 
exert themselves, nor compel them to leave their 
bed before the proper time. 

The mother should (5) pray to God daily to 
guard her and her child against all evil and 
harm, thus commending herself and her child to 
God in prayer. Finally, she should (6) pray 
God to restore her to health and strength, and 
enable her in time joyfully to go about her usual 



Thanksgiving for Delivery. 81 

employment and attend the services in His 
house. 

PRAYER. 

Great and glorious and almighty God ! I come 
into Thy presence with joy, and praise Thee for 
the great kindness which Thou hast shown me. 
I thank Thee that Thou hast sustained me in my 
labor, lightened my pain, and granted me a 
happy delivery. Lord, how great and glorious is 
Thy power! When 1 was about to sink, Thou 
didst hold me up; when I was weak and faint, 
Thou didst quicken me; when my strength was 
all gone, Thou didst give me new strength. Yes, 
Thou hast clone all things well : Thou hast given 
me my child, Thou hast sustained my life, Thou 
hast warded off all misfortune, Thou hast glad- 
dened me according to my heart's desire. 

Therefore bless the Lord, O my soul, and all 
that is within me bless His holy name. Bless 
the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His bene- 
fits. The Lord hath done great things for me, 
whereof I am glad. Blessed be the Lord, be- 
cause He hath heard the voice of my supplica- 
tions. The Lord is my Strength and my Shield ; 
my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: 
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with 
my song will I praise Him. O give thanks unto 
the Lord, for He is good ; and His mercy endur- 



82 For the Use of Mothers. 

eth forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say 
so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of 
the enemy. Let those whom He delivered out of 
their troubles when they cried, and whom lie 
saved out of their distress, praise the Lord for 
His goodness, and for His wonderful works to 
the children of men. Let them sacrifice the sac- 
rifice of thanksgiving, and declare His works 
with rejoicing. Yes, my God, I will declare Thy 
works to-day with rejoicing, and say: What 
shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits 
to me? 

O my God, let Thy mercy be revealed in me in 
future also. Protect, strengthen, and preserve 
me during my confinement. Guard me and my 
child against harm, sickness, and dangerous ac- 
cidents. Restore to me speedily my lost 
strength; let me regain it day by day. O God 
of all grace and mercy, spread Thy gracious 
wings over my house to preserve it from danger 
by fire or water; and over my bed, that I may 
stay well, and may spend my time in it in Thy 
fear and in prayer. Mercifully preserve my 
child to Thy honor and glory. And grant me 
grace in due time, with restored strength and in 
good health, to wend my way to Thy house, to 
appear in Thy presence, and to bring to Thee 
there my joyful offering of praise and thanks- 
giving. Now thank we all our God, with hearts 



Thanksgiving for Delivery. 83 

and hands and voices, who wondrous things hath 
done, in whom this earth rejoices ; who from our 
mother's arms hath blessed us on our way with 
countless gifts of love, and still is ours to-day. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 

(Sei Lob und Ehr dem hochsten Gut.) 

Iambic, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7. 

Sing praise to God who reigns above, 

The God of all creation, 
The God of power, the God of love, 

The God of our salvation. 
With healing balm my soul He fills, 
And every faithless murmur stills; 

To God all praise and glory! 

The angel host, O King of kings, 

Thy praise for ever telling, 
In earth and sky all living things, 

Beneath Thy shadow dwelling, 
Adore the wisdom which could span, 
And power which formed creation's plan ; 

To God all praise and glory! 

I cried to God in my distress, 

His mercy heard me calling; 
My Saviour saw my helplessness, 

And kept my feet from falling ; 
For this, Lord, praise and thanks to Thee ! 
Praise God Most High, praise God with me! 

To God all praise and glory! 

Thus all my gladsome way along 
I'll sing aloud Thy praises, 



84 For the Use of Mothers. 

That men may hear the grateful song 
My voice unwearied raises : 

Be joyful in the Lord, my heart ! 

Both soul and body, bear your parti 
To God all praise and glory! 

—John Jacob Schuctz, 1673. 
Frances Elizabeth Cox, Tr. 



THE MOTHER'S MORNING PRAYER. 

MEDITATION. 

IF prayer and supplications to God should 
form the daily duty of every pious Chris- 
tian, how much more should not the mother 
in confinement begin and close the day with 
prayer, in view of the many dangers which may 
threaten her and her child. When she has com- 
mended herself and her child into the hands of 
God, she can lean all the more confidently upon 
God's help. She should (1) thank God for the 
repose which He granted her during the night, 
and should commit herself and her child to Him, 
praying that He may guard, bless, and preserve 
them. (2) Throughout the day she should let 
her thoughts dwell upon holy things, and grate- 
fully enjoy the rest which is vouchsafed to her. 
And if she still, as is usually the case, suffers 
some pain, she should (3) bear it with patience, 
and believe that the God who has so gloriously 



Morning Prayer. 85 

delivered her out of her troubles will also in time 
remove the pain which still remains. 

PRAYER. 

O gracious God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ! 
In this morning hour I lift up my heart and voice 
and hands to Thee, and thank Thee for the gra- 
cious protection which Thou hast vouchsafed 
to me during the past night. Thine angel has 
kept watch over my bed, and no harm has touched 
me. Thou hast preserved me and my child, and 
hast let me joyfully behold again the light of 
day. Lord, Lord, how great are Thy mercies! 
They are new unto me every morning. Thy 
grace has sheltered and guarded me during the 
night ; Thy mercy has kept me from harm. This 
Thou, O God, hast done ; this is the work of Thy 
love and faithfulness. Therefore arise my soul, 
and bless the Lord who has done such great 
things for thee. 

Lord, Lord, Thou hast been this night, as Thou 
hast ever been, my Stay. Thou hast preserved 
me, and let me experience how gracious, how 
mighty, how all-powerful, how loving, how kind 
Thou art. Lord, Lord, I will never forget what 
good things Thou hast done for me. I will bless 
the Lord at all times. His praise shall contin- 
ually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her 
boast in the Lord : the humble shall hear thereof 



86 For the Use of Mothers. 

and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and 
let us exalt His name together. I sought the 
Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from 
all my fears. I cried in my trouble, and the Lord 
heard me, and saved me out of all my troubles. 
Therefore my mouth shall be filled with His 
praise, and my heart shall give thanks to Him. 
Yea, with folded hands will I extol His mercy. 

O Lord, Lord, let Thy fatherly mercy guard 
me this day also. I commend to Thee my body 
and my soul. O preserve my soul and mind from 
despondency, anxiety and sadness, and let Thy 
Holy Spirit dwell in my heart to sanctify and 
fill it with heavenly joy and consolation, that I 
may spend the day in Thy fear, in inward peace 
through the love of Jesus, and in child-like con- 
tentment. Restore to my body day by day the 
strength which I have lost ; and grant me speedy 
restoration to complete health. Ward off from 
me all pain, accidents, sickness, and misfortune, 
and lighten the sufferings which in Thy wisdom 
Thou wilt yet bring upon me. Graciously pre- 
serve my child, and let it grow and thrive to Thy 
glory. 

And now, O Triune God, I commend myself 
entirely to Thee. Lord God the Father in 
heaven, have mercy upon me. Be gracious to me 
and my child ; forgive my sins, bless me, and pre- 
serve me from all evil. Lord God the Son, Re- 



Morning Hymn. 87 

deemer of the world, have mercy upon me. Be 
my Advocate and Intercessor, my Jesus, my Sa- 
viour; and let Thy grace, like cooling dew, re- 
fresh me this day. Be with me, strengthen me, 
and keep me. Lord God the Holy Ghost, have 
mercy upon me. Pray in me, and bear witness 
with my spirit that I am indeed a child of God. 
And now, the Lord bless me and keep me. The 
Lord make His face shine upon me and be gra- 
cious unto me. The Lord lift up His countenance 
upon and give me peace. And the peace of God 
which passeth all understanding keep my heart 
and mind in Christ Jesus unto everlasting life. 
Amen. 

HYMN. 

(Gott des Himmels und der Erden.) 



God, who madest earth and heaven, 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 

Who the day and night hast given 
Sun and moon and starry host, 

Thou whose mighty hand sustains 

Earth and all that she contains: 

Praise to Thee my soul shall render, 
Who this night hast guarded me ; 

My omnipotent Defender, 

Who from ill dost set me free: 

Free from danger, anguish, woe, 

Free from the infernal foe. 



8, 7, 7, 7. 



88 For the Use of Mothers. 

Let the night of my transgression 
With night's darkness pass away; 

Jesus, into Thy possession 
I resign myself to-day. 

In Thy wounds I find relief 

From my greatest sin and grief. 

Wholly to Thy blest protection 
I commit my heart and mind. 

Mighty God! to Thy direction 
Wholly may I be resigned. 

Lord, my Shield, my Light divine, 

O accept, and own me Thine ! 

Lord, to me Thine angel sending, 
Keep me from the subtle foe ; 

From His craft and might defending, 
Never let Thy wanderer go, 

Till my final rest be come, 

And Thine angel bear me home. 

— Henry Albert, 1644. 
John Christian Jacobi, Tr.1722, 
and Arthur Tozer Russell, 184S. 



THE MOTHER'S EVENING PRAYER. 

MEDITATION. 

WHEN the two disciples met Jesus on 
their way to Emmaus, they were un- 
willing to let Him leave them when 
evening came, but said, "Abide with us, Lord, 
for it is toward evening, and the day is far 



Evening Prayer. 89 

spent." Luke 24. This should be the mother's 
desire also. She should begin and end her day 
with prayer, and should beseech God for His 
special gracious presence to protect her during 
the coming night. 

She should (1) thank God for guarding her 
during the day against pain and accidents, and 
for keeping her child well. If, however, He has 
been pleased to send her some measure of pain, 
she should (2) thank Him for enabling her to 
bear it by His grace, and to reach the evening. 
(3) She should commend herself and her child to 
the care of the Triune God during the coming 
night. Accidents are distressing and cause 
fright to all ; but they are much more distressing 
to mothers in confinement, who are powerless to 
flee from danger, and too weak to endure much 
pain. (4) When she has prayed, she should re- 
frain from causing herself unnecessary care, 
anxiety, fear, or fright, but fall asleep in the 
arms of God. And when she awakes again, she 
should think of God, rejoice in His grace, and 
surrender herself to Him. 

PRAYER. 

O Lord God Almighty ! How shall I sufficiently 
thank Thee for the love and faithfulness which 
Thou hast revealed toward me to-day? I have 
spent this day under Thy protection, and have 



90 For the Use of Mothers. 

reached the evening unharmed. Thou hast 
helped me to endure the pain and discomfort of 
my condition. Thou hast guarded and preserved 
me. Thou hast been a gracious Father, Protec- 
tor, and Stay to me and my child. Lord when I 
cried unto Thee, Thou didst make me whole. 
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into 
dancing; Thou hast given me beauty for ashes, 
the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of 
praise for the spirit of heaviness. Lord, my God. 
I will thank Thee to all eternity. 

And since Thou hast spread Thy gracious 
wings over me during the day, let Thy goodness 
keep me during the night, and defend me and 
mine and my house against misfortune, danger, 
and harm. Mercifully forgive me all the sins 
which I have committed against Thee to-day by 
thoughts or words or deeds. I will now, O God 
of grace and mercy, lay myself in Thy arms, and 
say: "I will both lay me down in peace and 
sleep: for Thou, Lord only makest me dwell in 
safety." Command Thy angel to come and guard 
me, that Satan may not disturb or harm me. In 
Thy name I will close my eyes. Do Thou watch 
over my bed, and chase away whatever might 
disturb my repose. And though the body sleeps, 
my soul shall wake to Thee, be with Thee, and 
find its delight in Thee. 



V 



Evening Hymn. 91 

Lord God the Father, let Thy mercy be over 
me this night, that I may rejoice in Thy almighty 
power, goodness, and love, even in sleep. Lord 
Jesus, Thou Light of my soul, let the light of 
Thy grace shine around me this night, that I 
may comfort myself with Thy wounds and blood, 
and preserve Thy image in my heart. O blessed 
Holy Spirit, awake in me holy desires and long- 
ings; sing and pray within my heart, and seal 
upon me the assurance that I am a child of God. 

Thou Triune God, let me thus fall asleep in 
Thy love, repose softly in Thy grace, and, when 

1 awake, be still with Thee. Let me behold the 
morrow well and happy. Then will I thank 
Thee for all the benefits which Thou hast be- 
stowed upon me in body and soul. The mercy 
of the Father defend me, the love of Jesus shield 
me, the grace of the Holy Spirit strengthen and 
support me. Amen. 

HYMN. 

(Hinunter ist der Sonnenschein.) 

L. M. 

Sunk is the sun's last beam of light, 
And now the world is wrapped in night; 
Christ, light us with Thy heavenly ray, 
Nor let our feet in darkness stray. 

Thanks, Lord, that Thou throughout the day 
Hast kept all grief and harm away; 



92 For the Use of Mothers. 

That angels tarried round about 
Our coming in and going out. 

Whate'er of wrong we've done or said, 
Let not the charge on us be laid ; 
That, through Thy free forgiveness blest, 
In peaceful slumber we may rest. 

Thy guardian angels round us place, 
All evil from our couch to chase; 
Our soul and body, while we sleep, 
In safety, gracious Father, keep. 

— Nicholas Herrmann, 1560. 
Frances Elizabeth Cox. Tr, 1841. a. 



THE MOTHER OFFERS UP A PRAYER FOR 
HER CHILD. 

MEDITATION. 

THE possession of children involves on the 
part of parents not only the responsibil- 
ity of caring for them, but also the duty 
of loving them and seeking their temporal and 
eternal welfare. Parents should pray for these 
things, because they are among the good gifts 
which come down from above, from the Father 
of lights. 

A pious mother should, therefore, (1) humbly 
commend her new-born child to God, and pray 
Him to let it receive Holy Baptism, and to ac- 
cept it in that sacrament as His child, and as an 



Prayer for the Child. 93 

object of His care, love, and grace. If God spares 
the child's life, then (2) it should be included in 
her morning and evening devotions, and in many 
special prayers throughout the day. She should 
beseech God to rule it with His Holy Spirit, and 
to vouchsafe to it a good heart, a sound consti- 
tution, and healthy growth ; to preserve its limbs 
and senses ; and to guard it against accident and 
harm. 

The care and prayers of godly parents for 
their children (3) increase as the years roll on; 
to the end, that their children may be instructed 
and established in Christian doctrine, and 
brought to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus. To 
secure for them this treasure, parents should 
spare neither cost nor trouble. If the children 
in later years go away among strangers, or are 
obliged to live in the midst of worldly people, 
the care and anxiety of the parents for them in- 
crease. Parents should then (4) pray all the 
more earnestly. They should do as Job did, who 
offered burnt offerings for his children every 
evening, and prayed God to be merciful to 
them, and to forgive them their sins. Pious 
parents should beseech God to guard their chil- 
dren against temptation, to preserve them from 
falling into gross sin and shame, to lead them 
by His Holy Spirit, and to bless them in time 
and eternity. 



94 For the Use of Mothers. 

If they have done their duty toward their 
children in the matter of Christian instruction 
and sensible training, they should (5) believe that 
God will hear their prayer ; and that, even if their 
children should for a time go astray, He will yet 
know how to show them the error of their way, 
and bring them back to Himself. (6) They should 
patiently, and in reliance upon God's grace, bear 
the cross which, in accordance with His wonder- 
ful counsel, the care of children lays upon them, 
until in His own time He lightens it or removes 
it according to His loving-kindness. 



PRAYER WHEN THE CHILD IS ABOUT 
TO BE BAPTIZED. 

O GRACIOUS and merciful God, of whom 
the whole family in heaven and earth 
is named! Behold I come before Thee 
in true humility of heart, and pray for my new- 
born child. O merciful God, receive my child as 
Thine own in Holy Baptism. Let it become and 
remain Thy child. Protect and keep it by Thy 
grace. Thou, O Jesus, hast said, Suffer little 
children to come unto me, and forbid them not. 
Behold I bring my child to Thee to-day; grant 
that it may be born again of water and of the 
Spirit, and that the Holy Spirit may sanctify 



At the Child 7 s Baptism, 95 

and rule it, and fill its heart with faith and 
heavenly light. Let the child grow up to Thy 
glory, and grant me grace to train it in Thy fear 
and service. 

O my God, I herewith give Thee back my child 
to be Thine own possession. I lay it, heavenly 
Father, in the arms of Thy mercy ; do Thou care 
for it and defend it. I yield it up to Thee, O 
Jesus. Wash it with Thy holy blood, and hide 
it in Thy wounds from the power of Satan. I 
commit it to Thy guidance, O God the Holy 
Ghost. Sanctify it wholly, that its whole spirit 
and soul and body may be preserved blameless 
unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let 
this day be my child's covenant-day and day of 
blessing and regeneration. Grant that it may 
ever be mindful of this day, and that I may often 
call its attention to it. May it never break this 
covenant, nor fall from this state of grace, but 
continue in faith and holiness to the end, and be 
received by Thee, as Thy child and heir, into 
everlasting joy. Amen. 



96 For the Use of Mothers, 



PRAYER OF PIOUS PARENTS FOR THEIR 
CHILDREN. 

OLORD God Almighty, Father of all grace 
and mercy! Behold, among Thy many 
blessings Thon hast also bestowed chil- 
dren upon me; and for these I give Thee heart- 
felt praise and thanks. But my God, when I re- 
gard my children as a trust which Thou hast 
committed to me, which Jesus has redeemed 
with His precious blood, and which Thou hast 
received in Holy Baptism as Thy children, I am 
concerned not to lose any of them by my fault. 
Thou sayest to me and to all parents : "Keep 
this child; if by any means it be missing, then 
shall thy life be for its life." Therefore, O 
Father of all grace, I come to Thee and pray for 
my children. I will do what I can ! but do Thou 
care for them. Bless them ; guide them as they 
go out and in; keep them in Thy holy fear, that 
they may never offend nor grieve Thee by great 
sins, nor bring harm and disgrace upon them- 
selves. Let their hearts be fixed on Jesus. Let 
Jesus dwell in their heart and sanctify it, that 
they may not lose Thy favor nor have an evil 
conscience. Guard them against temptation and 
wicked companions. Let Thy Holy Spirit con- 
stantly remind them of Thy holy presence, that 



Prayer of Parents. 97 

they may remember that Thou art with them at 
home and abroad, by day and by night, in society 
and in solitude. Let Thy angel accompany them 
when they go out and in, and preserve them 
when they travel or attend to their occupation 
or are among strangers. Let Thy angel be their 
constant companion as he was Tobias'. Let Thy 
angels lead them away from danger as they did 
Lot. Let Thy angels protect them as they did 
Jacob. 

Shouldest Thou be pleased, however, to send a 
cross of some kind upon me through my children, 
whether by death or sickness or misfortune, 
grant me patience under my suffering, and let 
me bear in mind that nothing can happen with- 
out Thy permission. Thou hast given me my 
children; Thou also hast power to take them to 
Thyself again. Shouldest Thou seek by their 
death to draw me nearer to Thee, so that I may 
be taught to love Thee alone, O then, on my 
thorny path, preserve my trust and hope in Thy 
omnipotence, that I may believe that Thou canst 
and wilt make my cross, as well as all things, 
work for my good. 

Bless my children in earthly matters also. 
Provide for them and sustain them. Give them 
food and clothing, and deal with them as a lov- 
ing Father. Be their Helper in danger, their 
Stay in trouble, their Counselor in perplexity. 



98 For the Use of Mothers. 

their Preserver in misfortune, their Physician 
in sickness. Give them a good disposition, an 
understanding mind, and a healthy body. Let 
them live as in Thy sight, and honor and praise 
Thee. Give them an obedient and humble heart. 
Let them grow up under Thy favor, and be a 
source of joy and comfort to me. 

O God, hear my prayer, and remember that 
they are Thy children as well as mine. Let my 
prayer for them come before Thy throne of grace, 
and be heard. Let me, on the last day, stand to- 
gether with all my children on Thy right hand, 
and say to Thy praise: Behold, here am I, my 
God, and the children which Thou hast given 
me; I have lost none of them. Yea, my God, 
grant that none of my children may be lost, but 
that together we may enter into Thy glory. 
Amen. 



HYMN. 

Saviour, who Thy flock art feeding 
With the Shepherd's kindest care, 

All the feeble gently leading, 

While the lambs Thy bosom share : 

Now these little ones receiving, 
Fold them in Thy gracious arm; 

There we know, Thy Word believing, 
Only there, secure from harm. 



8,7. 



Preparation for Churching. 99 

Never, from Thy pasture roving, 

Let them be the lion's prey ; 
Let Thy tenderness, so loving, 

Keep them through life's dangerous way. 

Then within Thy fold eternal 

Let them find a resting place, 
Feed in pastures ever vernal, 

Drink the rivers of Thy grace. 

— William Augustus Muhlenberg, 1826. 



THE MOTHER PREPARES FOR HER 
CHURCHING. 

MEDITATION. 

WHEN God has graciously permitted the 
mother to pass through the six weeks 
after her confinement, and has re- 
stored her strength and preserved her and her 
child from harm, so that she is now able to at- 
tend to her churching, she should be filled with 
gratitude, and should give thanks and praise to 
JGnod in the highest. 

She should reflect (1) how she lay weak and 
helpless in bed, and how God has renewed her 
strength so that now she is able to go about 
strong and healthy. She should remember (2) 
that other women in her condition have had to 
.undergo much sickness, and after six weeks 



100 For the Use of Mothers. 

were still confined to bed or perhaps were 
dead; and she should, therefore, sing hymns of 
praise and thanksgiving to God, who has pre- 
served her from such a fate. When, in addition 
to this, her child is healthy and strong, she has 
all the more reason (3) humbly to acknowledge 
the benefits of God. She should (4) attend to her 
churching with devout and grateful heart. She 
should rejoice when she enters into the courts of 
the Lord and draws nigh to His altar. She 
should (5) present her prayers, intercessions, 
and thanksgiving, praise God, commend her-, 
self and her child to Him, receive the benedic- 
tion, and ever afterwards remember God's good- 
ness to her. 

PRAYER. 

What shall I render unto the Lord for all His 
benefits to me? Yes, the Lord hath done great 
things for me, whereof I am glad. O gracious 
and mighty God! I am now about to go to Thy 
house again for the first time, to thank Thee in 
Thy temple for Thy gracious help and mighty 
succor. Lord God, Thou hast happily delivered 
me, preserved my life, and let me look with joy 
upon the face of my child. Thou hast kept me, 
O gracious God, through these six weeks, pre- 
served me from harm, and restored my strength, 
so that I am now able in health and comfort to 



Preparation for Churching. 101 

go to Thy house. O give thanks unto the Lord, 
for He is good; and His mercy endureth for- 
ever. I called upon the Lord in distress : the 
Lord answered me and set me in a large place. 
The Lord is my Strength and my Song, and He 
is become my Salvation. 

Lord, I thank Thee that Thou didst pre- 
serve my life during my labor; I thank Thee 
that Thou hast restored my strength; I thank 
Thee that by Thy grace I am now able to 
go out, and to extol Thee in Thy temple for 
all Thy benefits. O Lord, accept my weak 
offering of praise. I was glad when they 
said unto me, Let us go into the house 
of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within 
Thy gates, O Jerusalem. One thing have I de- 
sired of the Lord, that will I seek after : that I 
may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days 
of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and 
to inquire in His temple. 

O my God, let my going out be blessed; give 
me new strength every day; let my child grow 
up to Thy praise. I bring to Thee to-day a pair 
of turtle-doves : my grateful heart and my ador- 
ing tongue. O do not despise my offering. I 
bring to Thee in true faith the perfect atoning 
sacrifice of the blood and death of Jesus. With 
this I cleanse and purify myself. I also offer to 
to Thee again my child, as I have already offered 



102 For the Use of Mothers. 

it in Holy Baptism. Be Thou its Father, its 
Guadian, its Preserver, its gracious God. Let 
the wings of Thy mercy be spread over me and 
my child in time to come. Let us live before 
Thee and praise Thy name. Grant that I may 
always remember this Thy great benefit to me, 
so that I may continue in faith and holiness, 
walk in Thy fear, and train up my children also 
in Thy fear and love. Grant to me and my chil- 
dren Thy Holy Spirit, that He may enlighten, 
sanctify, rule, and guide us in the right way, till 
at last we shall all enter into Thy glory, into the 
new Jerusalem, where Thou Thyself art the Sun 
and the Light. Amen. 

HYMN. 

Psalm 100. 

L. M. 

Before Jehovah's awful throne, 
Ye nations, bow with sacred joy : 

Know that the Lord is God alone, 
He can create, and He destroy. 

His sovereign power, without our aid, 
Made us of clay, and formed us men ; 

And when like wandering sheep we strayed, 
He brought us to His fold again. 

We are His people, we His care, 
Our souls and all our mortal frame: 

What lasting honors shall we rear, 
Almighty Maker, to Thy name? 



When Weaning the Child. 103 

We'll crowd Thy gates with thankful songs, 
High as the heavens our voices raise; 

And Earth, with her ten thousand tongues, 
Shall fill Thy courts with sounding praise. 

Wide as the world is Thy command, 

Vast as eternity Thy love; 
Firm as a rock Thy truth must stand 

When rolling years shall cease to move. 

—Isaac Watts, 1719. a. 



THE PIOUS MOTHER THANKS GOD 
WHEN SHE WEANS HER CHILD. 

MEDITATION. 

SINCE a pious mother should pray daily for 
her child, she should pray all the more 
earnestly at the time of its weaning. For 
it is a signal mercy of God that He has let the 
child thrive upon its mother's milk to such an 
extent as to make it strong enough now to be 
weaned. 

She should therefore (1) thank God that He 
has granted the child sufficient strength through 
the milk to enable it now to live upon other food. 
If she has nursed her child herself, she should 
(2) thank God especially for giving her good 
milk, adding His blessing to it, and letting the 
child thrive upon it. She should (3) pray God 
to bless the child's food in future, to let it grow 



104 For the Vse of Mothers. 

up to His praise, and, as it grows in years, to 
fill its heart with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 
And since children usually learn to walk at 
this age, she should (4) pray God to lead her 
child, to guard it by His holy angels, to pre- 
serve it from severe falls, to keep its limbs 
straight and sound, and thus to let it grow from 
year to year under His protection. 

PRAYER. 

Merciful and gracious God! How my heart 
rejoices to know that the time has come when my 
child is strong enough to be weaned! O loving 
God, Thou hast in Thy goodness bestowed this 
child upon me, preserved it amid so many perils, 
sustained its frail life, and permitted it to reach 
an age at which it needs stronger food for its 
sustenance. I extol Thy mercy, which has 
blessed my mother's milk to the strengthening 
and growth of my child. I thank Thee for Thy 
blessing, for Thy protection, for Thy faithful- 
ness and grace. O Lord, Thou dost daily per- 
form a miracle by turning food and drink into 
milk in the mother's breast, and giving to that 
milk the power to satisfy, sustain, and strengthen 
the child. 

O my God, as Thou hast let my child thrive at 
its mother's breast, so do Thou now let it thrive 
upon other food and drink. Grant that it may 



When Weaning the Child. 105 

take kindly to the change in its diet, and grow 
upon it day by day, and week by week, and year 
by year. When it begins to walk, be with it; 
let Thy angel accompany it; uphold it when it 
would fall, protect it when danger threatens. O 
let my child be commended to Thy care in body 
and soul. 

Strengthen it also in the inward man. Sanc- 
tify it by Thy Holy Spirit, that it may be easily 
trained in obedience and the fear of God, be free 
from obstinacy, and, as a good child, listen and 
obey willingly. Give unto it Thy Holy Spirit 
and a godly heart, that I may have pleasure in 
my child here, and may one day enter with it 
into the eternal joy and glory of heaven. Amen. 

HYMN. 

C. M. 

What shall I render to my God 

For all His gifts to me? 
Sing, heaven and earth, rejoice and praise 

His glorious majesty. 

O let me praise Thee while I live, 

And praise Thee when I die, 
And praise Thee when I rise again, 

And to eternity. 

Mysterious depths of endless love 

Our admiration raise: 
My God, Thy name exalted is 

Far above all our praise. 

— John Mason, 1683. 



106 For the Barren. 



CONSOLATION FOR THE BARREN. 

CONSOLATION. 

I HAVE often heard pious wives whom God 
has let remain childless say, that there are, 
indeed, consolations, meditations and pray- 
ers for all conditions of women, for the pregnant, 
for those in travail, and those in confinement, 
but that those who have no children are left 
without such devotional helps. For this reason, 
after having by the grace of God imparted in- 
struction and consolation to the fruitful, I will 
now speak to the barren concerning their con- 
dition. 

When God lets husband and wife remain 
childless, so that they must say with Abraham, 
Gen. 15 : 2, "Lord God, what wilt Thou give me, 
seeing I go childless," they should remember (1) 
that the reasons for the barrenness may be nat- 
ural to either or both of them. For as God does 
not make all human beings alike, so He does not 
make them all of equal fruitfulness. If, there- 
fore, God has not blessed their nature with this 
gift, they should not murmur against Him, but 
should remember that He is nevertheless a gra- 
cious God, who loves them and regards them 
with favor. Though the tulip has not as many 
flowers as the rose bush, it is still a treasured 
plant of the gardener and of the owner of the 



Consolation. 107 

garden. How many trees there are which bear 
no fruit, but which grace the garden and which 
we like to see there. So also the barren are 
God's dear children, even though they are not 
blessed with fruitfulness like others. 

They should remember, (2) that children are a 
gift of the Lord. Those upon whom He does not 
desire to bestow this gift should not murmur 
against Him on this account, nor be envious of 
others who are more favored in this respect. 
God is the Master in His own house; and He 
divides out his treasures as it pleases Him. God 
has reserved to Himself three keys; the key to 
the grave, — for no one but God can wake the 
dead; the key to the rain, — for no idol and no 
human being can cause it to rain ; and the key to 
the womb, — for none can open it if God closes 
it, nor close it if God opens it. Since therefore 
this withholding of the blessing of wedlock is 
due to God's will, the barren are called upon to 
give proof of their patience, resignation, and 
hope. 

Barrenness is (3) not a sign of God's wrath. 
For the barren can see that God is not angry 
with them from the fact that He does not let 
them lack His benefits in other respects. He 
gives them bodily blessings, health, and tem- 
poral prosperity in a degree in which He often 
does not give them to those who have children. 



108 For the Barren. 

The latter often suffer much from sickness, and 
sorrow, and cares which the possession of chil- 
dren involves. God also gives to the childless 
heavenly gifts, joy in God, peace with God, the 
righteousness of Christ, and spiritual gladness. 
And these things show that God is not angry 
with them. For one who is under the wrath of 
God will certainly lack these heavenly gifts. 

Childless couples should remember (4) that 
God means to show them special grace by His 
dealings with them, because He knows their 
bodily and mental condition better than they do 
themselves. For although many wives love chil- 
dren, God still finds them perhaps too weak to 
bear children, or to train them up, or to endure 
the burden of having a family of children. Per- 
haps a child would cause husband and wife too 
many distractions and cares, and hinder them 
in their prayers and service of God. Yes, per- 
haps the child would have to die according to 
God's will, and its death would cause them too 
much sorrow. Therefore, because God knows 
the strength or weakness of men better than 
they do themselves, He shows them a special 
kindness by withholding children, a kindness, 
however, which in their ignorance they regard 
as an unkindness. 

Especially should married couples (5) be care- 
ful not to try to force children f romf God by mur- 



Consolation. 109 

muring and complaining against Him ; for in 
that case God may give them children in anger. 
And then the murmuring mother must either 
lose her life or her health in giving birth to the 
child, or else the child, given in anger, will cause 
its parents untold sorrow, anxiety, and heart-' 
ache, and make their whole subsequent life 
wretched. This will then be the result of their 
own foolish prayers. How many a son, obtained 
from God by imprudent prayer, has been the 
death of his father and the scourge of his 
mother. 

Godly wives should (6) not misinterpret the 
words of St. Paul in I Tim. 2 ; 15, when he says 
that "the woman shall be saved in childbearing, 
if she continue in faith and charity and holiness 
with sobriety." In these words Paul does not 
mean that women are to be saved by childbear- 
ing. For we are justified and saved only through 
the merit of Jesus Christ and for the sake of His 
blood which was shed for us, Eom. 3 : 28, Kom. 
5 : 1, and not by childbearing. If this were not 
the case, then no virgin could be saved, and such 
an idea certainly is contrary to God's holy Word. 

Paul uses these words for the purpose of com- 
forting married persons, teaching them, that al- 
though God lays great pain upon those who bear 
children, because woman let herself be deceived 
in Eden, He will nevertheless be with them and 



110 For the Barren. 

help them in childbearing. They shall never- 
theless be saved, even though they feel the 
anger of God in the pangs of labor, pro- 
vided they continue in faith in the Lord 
Jesus, in love toward God and men, and 
in holiness and sobriety of living. For this 
reason this passage of Scripture is a comfort in 
times of travail, and an assurance that those 
who die in labor shall be saved in spite of the 
pains which sin has brought upon them. But 
the passage does not give childbearing as the rea- 
son why women are saved. 

Married couples should (7) await God's time r 
and continue in prayer. Some trees bear fruit 
the first year, some only after the lapse of many 
years. Therefore pious couples should not at 
once lose all hope. "Cast not away therefore 
your confidence [in God] which hath great recom- 
pense of reward." (Heb. 10 : 35.) Just as God 
does not bestow His other benefits all at the same 
time, so He may delay for a time with this gift- 
also. Married couples should (8) carefully re- 
frain from blaming one another, and should re- 
member that it is God who withholds children 
from them, Gen. 30:2. They should love one 
another nevertheless, and be satisfied with God's; 
dealings with them, remembering that neither 
of them can change matters, and that it rests 
with the blessing and will of God. Especially 



Consolation. Ill 

should they avoid feelings of irritation, envy, 
and ill-will, if friends, brothers, or sisters should 
already make inquiry about the disposition and 
inheritance of their property. They should re- 
main faithful in their love to one another, pay 
no attention to sycophants, and, when the proper 
time comes, make such disposition of their 
earthly property as the demands of propriety 
and love seem to require. If pious couples re- 
main childless, they should (9) increase all the 
more in love to Jesus. And since those who have 
children are often hindered by their children in 
their prayers, worship, and edification, those 
who have none can devote themselves all the 
more freely and undisturbed to the service of 
God. 

If God besows upon married persons no chil- 
dren of their own, they should (10) let their love 
go out all the more to the poor : they should 
show kindness to good children, clothe them, and 
keep them at school. And then such children 
will, on the last day, point to such couples and 
praise them before God, saying, These persons 
have given me clothing and food and drink. 
Matt. 25. 

God in His love and grace sometimes with- 
holds children from godly persons (11) because 
He sees that dreadful plagues and punishments 
will break out in a community. If, in token of 



112 For the Barren. 

His mercy, He takes away the righteous from 
the evil to come, and sends their last sleep upon 
His dear children before the storms of affliction 
come, as He promised in the case of Hezekiah 
and did in the case of Augustine; then it is really 
a kindness on God's part not to bestow children, 
so that they may not have to experience the 
wretchedness which shall come upon the world, 
as it did in the deluge. 

Finally married couples should (12) inquire 
whether they regard children simply as a gift 
of nature or, as they are in truth, a gift of God. 
If they regard them as a gift of nature, whose 
bestowal is simply dependent upon themselves, 
they err. And God desires, by withholding chil- 
dren from them, to show them that children are 
His gift, and that He is to be asked for them. 
If Christian couples here object that fornicators 
and harlots do not pray for children and yet re- 
ceive them, I reply, that in their case God let's 
nature have its course in order to reveal their 
shame, because their object is not to beget chil- 
dren to the glory of God, but simply to satisfy 
their own evil lusts. Godly couples should do 
as Isaac did, of whom we read, "And Isaac en- 
treated the Lord for his wife, because she was 
barren : and the Lord was entreated of him, and 
Rebekah his wife conceived." Gen. 25 : 21. 
Godly couples should bear these things in mind, 



Prayer. 113 

and thereby guard themselves against impa- 
tience and dissatisfaction. They should remem- 
ber that although their home be lonesome and 
childless, they shall, after their death, be re- 
ceived into glory and into the happy company 
of many thousands of holy angels, with whom 
they shall rejoice for ever before the throne of 
God. 

PRAYER. 

Lord, Lord, what wilt Thou give me, seeing I 
go childless? O my God, I see how Thou hast 
bestowed the blessing of wedlock upon others 
in abundant measure, but from me Thou hast 
thus far withheld it. Lord, Lord, grant that I 
may resign myself to Thy will, and bear my trial 
patiently. I know that Thou art an almighty 
God, and that, if Thou wilt, Thou canst easily 
make me fruitful and give me children. I know 
also that Thou art a gracious God, who lovest me 
and who hast never denied me Thy favor. There- 
fore I will patiently submit to Thy will in this 
matter also. Thou knowest best why Thou hast 
not bestowed this blessing upon me. If it be 
that I am too weak to bear children, or too indo- 
lent to train them properly, or disposed to be too 
despondent under the cares which children bring 
with them, — then I recognize Thy goodness in 
withholding them and sparing me, lest I be tried 
above that I am able. 



114 For the Barren. 

But if Thou wilt not give me the joy of having 
children, grant that I may all the more rejoice 
in Thee, love Thee fervently, and find all my 
joy and delight in Thee. Let me remain stead- 
fast in my faith in Thee, O Triune God, in love 
toward my neighbor, and in holiness of life. Let 
me walk in all godliness and honesty in the sight 
of my fellowmen. Let Thy Holy Spirit convince 
my heart more and more that this is Thy holy 
will concerning me, and enable me cheerfully to 
resign myself to Thy will. Preserve my heart 
from envy, irritableness, impatience, and ill-will 
toward the partner of my married life, so that I 
may nevertheless love him from my heart, re- 
gard him in place of a child, and love him more 
than ten sons or daughters. 

If, after I have waited a while longer, it be 
Thy will to make me a mother and to remember 
me as Thou didst Hannah, then convince my 
heart of this Thy gracious intention. But if 
Thou wilt not give me an heir at all, O Lord, 
then shall it be my only concern to walk in Thy 
statutes : Jesus shall be the consolation of my 
heart and my portion. Lord, Lord, all things 
are possible with Thee. It is but a small matter 
for Thee, who didst let Sarah conceive when she 
was long past the time of nature, to bless my 
hithertp childless state. Lord, bestow a child 
upon me, then will I thank Thee for the gift all 



Prayer. 115 

my life, and bring it up to Thy praise and glory. 
Let me not be envious when I see other homes 
which Thou hast filled with children, but let me 
show all the more love and mercy to poor and 
forsaken little ones, and clothe them, care for 
them, provide for them. 

And now let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, 
according as we hope in Thee. Gladden me, 
comfort me, help me. Grant me children, if it be 
Thy will, — but not in anger, nor as a punish- 
ment upon me, nor to my shame. If it be salu- 
tary for me, grant my prayer according to Thy 
mercy. But if it be not Thy will, I would not 
seek to compel Thee to give me a child ; for I do 
not desire to receive anything, neither children 
nor anything else, contrary to Thy will. Lord, 
I have poured out my heart before Thee. I be- 
seech Thee, do as Thou wilt, and as is best for 
me! Grant that I may possess my soul in pa- 
tience, till Thou sendest the help I crave. Amen. 



HYMN. 

Author of good ! To Thee we turn 

Thine ever wakeful eye 
Alone can all our wants discern, 

Thy hand alone supply. 

O let Thy love within us dwell, 
Thy fear our footsteps guide! 



CM. 



116 For the Barren, 

That love shall vainer love expel. 
That fear all fears beside. 

And since, by passion's force subdued, 

Too oft, with stubborn will, 
We blindly shun the latent good, 

And grasp the specious ill : 

Not what we wish, but what we want, 

Let mercy still supply: 
The good, unasked, let mercy grant, 

The ill, though asked, deny. 

— James Merrick, 1765. 



AUG 15 1004 



Jf 



021 897 474 



